>Madison County Arrest Records Online

Madison County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Madison County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public in Madison County, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The Ohio Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to documents and information maintained by public agencies. The statute specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest reports, as public records subject to disclosure with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, confidential informants, and juvenile matters as outlined in § 149.43(A)(1)(h).

Madison County law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules and make them available through established procedures. Requestors need not provide identification or state the purpose of their request when seeking access to these public records. Public agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records but must provide access for inspection at no cost during regular business hours.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Madison County?

Arrest records can be accessed online through various Madison County government portals. The Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts maintain digital databases that allow for remote access to arrest information. These online resources are provided in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which permits public offices to make records available by electronic means.

The Madison County Clerk of Courts Record Search provides a searchable database of court cases, including those stemming from arrests. Similarly, the Madison County Municipal Court offers online access to records of cases within its jurisdiction. These digital platforms enhance public accessibility while reducing administrative burden on county offices.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.45, which protects personal identifying information such as social security numbers and financial account information.

How to Look Up Madison County Arrest Records in 2025

Madison County provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:

Visit the Madison County Sheriff's Office located at 23 W. High Street, London, OH 43140. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Records requests may be submitted in person at the Records Division counter. Telephone: 740-852-1212.
Access the Municipal Court Record Search portal for cases processed through the Madison County Municipal Court. This resource is available 24 hours per day.
Submit a written request to the Madison County Clerk of Courts at 1 North Main Street, London, OH 43140. Requests should include the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if known. Telephone: 740-852-1454.
Utilize public access terminals at the Madison County Courthouse located at 1 North Main Street, London, OH 43140. These terminals are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Contact the Madison County Prosecutor's Office at 59 North Main Street, London, OH 43140 for information regarding prosecuted cases. Telephone: 740-852-1243.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection within a reasonable period of time. Requests for copies shall be fulfilled within a reasonable period of time, with "reasonable" typically interpreted as the time required to identify, retrieve, and review records for exempt material.

Contents of a Madison County Arrest Record

Madison County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identities
Date of birth and demographic information including age, gender, and race
Physical description including height, weight, hair color, eye color, and identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers and offense descriptions
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information including fingerprints and booking photograph (mugshot)
Case number and incident report reference numbers
Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
Initial appearance information including court date, time, and location
Bond information including type and amount if applicable
Detention facility information if the individual was incarcerated

These records are maintained in accordance with the Ohio Public Records Act and are subject to specific retention schedules as established by the Ohio History Connection's State Archives program pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.38. Law enforcement agencies in Madison County follow standardized procedures for documenting arrests to ensure accuracy and completeness of these public records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Madison County

Madison County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953. Expungement, legally termed "sealing of records," removes arrest information from public access while maintaining limited availability to law enforcement agencies. The process requires formal application to the court that handled the original case.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Madison County include:

First-time offenders may apply for expungement one year after final discharge for misdemeanors and three years after final discharge for felonies, pursuant to § 2953.32(A)(1).
Individuals with up to five felony convictions of the fourth or fifth degree may apply under § 2953.31(A)(1)(b).
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may be expunged immediately following the conclusion of proceedings under § 2953.52.
Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including most violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses where the victim was under 18 years of age.

The expungement process requires filing an application with the Madison County Municipal Court located at 55 North Oak Street, London, OH 43140 for misdemeanors, or with the Madison County Court of Common Pleas at 1 North Main Street, London, OH 43140 for felonies. Application fees are $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.

Upon receipt of an application, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecutor's office, which may object to the expungement. The court will consider factors including the applicant's criminal history, evidence of rehabilitation, and the public interest in maintaining the record before rendering a decision.