> >Medina Arrest Records

Medina Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Medina, Ohio?

Arrest records are public in Medina, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be open for public inspection during regular business hours. The legislative intent behind this law is to promote transparency in governmental operations and to ensure accountability of public officials. Citizens of Medina and other interested parties may access these records to maintain an informed community and exercise their right to government oversight as provided by state law.

How to Look Up Medina Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Medina arrest records may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining proper record management:

Visit the Medina Police Department: Individuals may request arrest records in person at the Medina Police Department located at 150 West Friendship Street, Medina, OH 44256. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (330) 725-7777.
Medina County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and provides public access at 555 Independence Drive, Medina, OH 44256. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For information, call (330) 725-6631.
Medina Municipal Court: Court records related to arrests can be accessed at the Medina Municipal Court, located at 135 North Elmwood Avenue, Medina, OH 44256. The court clerk's office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Contact (330) 723-3287 for assistance.
Online Public Access Systems: The Medina Municipal Court provides an electronic records search system through their official website. This service allows for remote access to public records 24 hours per day.
Third-Party Record Services: Commercial vendors offer record search services for a fee. These services compile information from multiple public sources. Users should verify the accuracy of information obtained through third-party providers.

Contents of a Medina Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Medina law enforcement agencies contain specific information as required by Ohio Administrative Code § 4501:2-10. A typical arrest record includes:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed against the individual, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking identification number assigned by the detention facility
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 109.60
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address
Case disposition information, if available
Bond amount set by the court, if applicable

The Medina Police Department Records Unit maintains these documents in accordance with state retention schedules as prescribed by the Ohio Historical Society.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Medina

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, certain individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Medina. The expungement process removes eligible records from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. Eligibility criteria include:

First-time offenders who have completed all court-ordered requirements
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Individuals with no more than two misdemeanor convictions
Certain non-violent felony offenders after waiting periods prescribed by statute

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. Petitioners must submit Form 2953.32 to the Medina Municipal Court for misdemeanors or to the Medina County Court of Common Pleas for felonies. A filing fee of $50 applies to most applications. The court schedules a hearing date typically within 60-90 days of filing, during which a judge determines whether the applicant meets statutory requirements for record sealing.

If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. The practical effect is that the arrest is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes, including employment applications and housing inquiries. However, sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, certain licensing boards, and in specific circumstances outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Medina, Ohio law establishes certain exceptions and limitations to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), the following categories of arrest information may be withheld from public disclosure:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations where release would impede law enforcement
Juvenile arrest records, which are subject to different confidentiality standards under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14
Information that would disclose the identity of confidential informants
Records that contain medical information protected under HIPAA
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers that could facilitate identity theft

The Medina Police Department and Medina Municipal Court are required to redact protected information before releasing records to the public. Requestors may be asked to provide identification when seeking arrest records to ensure proper handling of sensitive information.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other authorized entities in Medina may utilize public arrest records for background screening purposes, subject to compliance with applicable laws. The following regulations govern the use of arrest records for background checks:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) applies when third-party consumer reporting agencies conduct background checks
Ohio Civil Rights Act (Ohio Revised Code § 4112) prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records without convictions
Employers must obtain written consent before conducting background checks that include arrest record searches

Organizations conducting background checks should be aware that arrest records without subsequent convictions may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions under federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines. The City of Medina recommends that employers consult with legal counsel regarding proper use of arrest record information in hiring decisions.