Arrest records are public in Marion County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that all government records, including arrest records, are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Marion County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental functions, including maintaining transparency in the criminal justice system and enabling citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies.
The Ohio Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public records that must be made available upon request. Requestors are not required to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request when seeking access to these records. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under specific exemptions outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), such as confidential law enforcement investigatory records or information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel.
Marion County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Marion County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic database of court records, including information related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges. Additionally, the Marion County Sheriff's Office provides online access to certain arrest information through their official website.
Online access to arrest records is governed by Ohio Administrative Code 143:1-43, which establishes guidelines for electronic access to public records. These regulations ensure that while records remain accessible, they are presented in a manner that balances public access with privacy considerations. The online systems typically include:
It should be noted that while basic arrest information is available online, complete arrest records with detailed reports may require submission of a formal records request through the Sheriff's Records Request portal.
Members of the public seeking Marion County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1). The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to these records:
Online Database Access: The Marion County Records Search system provides electronic access to public records, including certain arrest information. Users may search by name, case number, or date range.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Marion County Sheriff's Office to submit records requests in person during regular business hours.
Marion County Sheriff's Office
889 Marion Williamsport Road
Marion, OH 43302
Phone: (740) 382-8244
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Records Division of the Sheriff's Office, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(5).
Court Records: For arrests that have resulted in court proceedings, records may be obtained through:
Marion County Clerk of Courts
100 North Main Street
Marion, OH 43302
Phone: (740) 223-4290
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(7), the custodian of records may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's office and on their respective websites.
Marion County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, which establishes uniform reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio. A complete arrest record typically contains the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, Social Security Number (partially redacted in public copies), race, gender, height, weight, and other identifying characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; statutory authority for the arrest; and whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Ohio Revised Code section numbers for each alleged violation.
Booking Information: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, and property inventory taken at the time of processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding bond amounts, if applicable, and whether the individual was released or remanded to custody.
Case Disposition: For closed cases, the outcome of any charges, including dismissals, convictions, or acquittals.
It should be noted that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), certain information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including medical information, Social Security Numbers, and information regarding confidential informants.
The expungement and sealing of arrest records in Marion County is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public access. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory requirements and follow prescribed legal processes.
Eligibility for expungement in Marion County is determined by several factors:
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with:
Marion County Common Pleas Court
100 North Main Street
Marion, OH 43302
Phone: (740) 223-4290
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date and notify the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor may file objections to the expungement request. Following the hearing, the court will issue a determination based on statutory eligibility and whether the applicant has been rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the court.
If granted, an order of expungement directs all governmental agencies to seal the records related to the arrest and/or conviction. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D), sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as specified by statute.