Youngstown Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Youngstown, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in Youngstown, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that all public records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the general public upon request. The statute serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Ohio Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, with limited exceptions for certain protected categories such as juvenile records, ongoing investigations, or records sealed by court order. Public access to these records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and ensures that governmental agencies operate with appropriate oversight.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Youngstown may obtain them through various governmental agencies, including the Youngstown Police Department and the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office. These agencies maintain records in accordance with state retention schedules as prescribed by the Ohio Historical Society and State Archives.
How to Look Up Youngstown Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Youngstown as of 2025. These access methods have been established in compliance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which mandates reasonable access to public records. The following options are available to individuals seeking arrest information:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may visit the Youngstown Police Department located at 116 West Boardman Street, Youngstown, OH 44503 (Phone: 330-742-8900) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to submit a formal request for arrest records.
Mahoning County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive booking and arrest data for the county. Requests may be submitted at 110 Fifth Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44503 (Phone: 330-480-5000) between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Youngstown Municipal Court Records: The Clerk of Court maintains arrest records related to cases processed through the municipal court system. Their office is located at 9 West Front Street, Youngstown, OH 44503 (Phone: 330-742-8863) and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Online Access Systems: The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office provides a Public Inmate Information portal where recent booking information and arrest data can be accessed electronically. This system is available 24 hours per day and is updated regularly with current information.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Ohio public records law, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the appropriate agency. Such requests must reasonably identify the records sought and may be submitted via mail, email, or facsimile.
Requestors should note that while basic arrest record information is provided without charge, agencies may assess reasonable fees for copying, certification, or extensive record searches as permitted under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1).
Contents of a Youngstown Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Youngstown law enforcement agencies and the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office contain standardized information as required by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and any documented aliases or known associates.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Offense Information: Statutory citation of alleged violations, classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony), and a narrative description of the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Processing Documentation: Booking number, fingerprint classification data, and photographic identification (commonly referred to as "mugshots").
Case Disposition: Initial court appearance information, bail or bond determination, and preliminary hearing scheduling.
Custody Status: Current detention status, facility location if incarcerated, and release date if applicable.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions that may be relevant to the current case, subject to limitations established in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 regarding sealed or expunged records.
It should be noted that while arrest records document the fact that an individual was taken into custody, such records do not constitute proof of guilt. All arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, pursuant to constitutional protections.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Youngstown
The process of expungement (officially termed "sealing of records" under Ohio law) provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to remove arrest records from public access. This procedure is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement in Youngstown under the following circumstances:
First-time offenders who have completed all court-ordered requirements and maintained a clean record for the statutory waiting period (one year for misdemeanors, three years for eligible felonies).
Cases resulting in dismissal, no bill by grand jury, or acquittal may be eligible for immediate expungement.
Certain non-violent offenses, provided the applicant meets all statutory requirements and has demonstrated rehabilitation.
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
File an Application for Sealing of Record with the Youngstown Municipal Court (for misdemeanors) or the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas (for felonies).
Pay the applicable filing fee ($50 for misdemeanors, $100 for felonies), though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.
Attend a scheduled hearing where a judge will evaluate the application based on statutory criteria and the interests of justice.
If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view.
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including most violent felonies, sex offenses, offenses against minors, and offenses where the victim was under 13 years of age. Additionally, individuals with multiple convictions face more restrictive eligibility requirements.
Upon successful expungement, the arrest record becomes inaccessible to the general public, including potential employers and housing providers. However, law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities retain limited access to sealed records for specific statutory purposes.
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