>Montgomery County Arrest Records Online

Montgomery County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Montgomery County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public documents in Montgomery County, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that all public records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to any member of the public upon request. The legislative intent behind this provision is to ensure transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system.

The Montgomery County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of these records and is legally obligated to maintain and provide access to them. As established in State ex rel. Montgomery Cty. Pub. Defender v. Siroki, certain personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers may be redacted from these records prior to public disclosure to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public nature of the documents.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Montgomery County?

Montgomery County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Montgomery County Clerk of Courts provides a comprehensive digital database where members of the public may search for arrest records and related court documents. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public transparency and efficient record management.

The Dayton Municipal Court also maintains an electronic case search system where arrest records for cases within their jurisdiction can be accessed. These digital resources are regularly updated to reflect current information and are designed to comply with Ohio's public records laws while providing convenient access to citizens.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, certain supplementary documents may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office. Online systems may experience scheduled maintenance periods during which access is temporarily limited.

How to Look Up Montgomery County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Montgomery County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court General Division Local Rules. These methods include:

Submitting a records request in person at the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts office located at 41 N. Perry Street, Dayton, OH 45422. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone: (937) 225-4512.
Accessing the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court online portal, which provides searchable databases of court records including arrest information.
Utilizing the warrant search function available through the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office website to determine if someone has an active warrant for their arrest.
Requesting records by mail by sending a written request to: Montgomery County Clerk of Courts, ATTN: Public Records Request, 41 N. Perry Street, Dayton, OH 45422.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection at all reasonable times during regular business hours. Requestors are not required to identify themselves or explain the purpose of their request, though providing specific information about the record sought may expedite the process.

Contents of a Montgomery County Arrest Record

Montgomery County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Ohio law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:

The full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identities
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged criminal offense(s), including applicable Ohio Revised Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and their affiliated agency
Booking information, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
Case number and court assignment information
Bail or bond determination and conditions
Initial appearance date and preliminary hearing schedule

The Montgomery County Clerk of Courts, as the official keeper of these records, maintains this information in accordance with state retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in compliance with privacy protections established by Ohio law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Montgomery County

The expungement process in Montgomery County allows eligible individuals to have their arrest records sealed from public view under specific circumstances prescribed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 and § 2953.52. This legal remedy is available through a formal petition process administered by the Montgomery County Courts.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Montgomery County include:

For convictions: First-time offenders must wait one year after final discharge for misdemeanors or three years for felonies before applying
For non-conviction records (including arrests that did not lead to charges): Applications may be filed immediately after case conclusion
Certain offenses, particularly violent crimes and sex offenses, are statutorily ineligible for expungement
Applicants must have completed all court-ordered requirements including probation, community service, and payment of fines

The procedural requirements for expungement include:

Filing a petition with the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts at 41 N. Perry Street, Dayton, OH 45422
Payment of the filing fee (currently $50 for non-convictions and $100 for convictions)
Mandatory background check through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Attendance at a scheduled court hearing where a judge will evaluate the petition

If granted, the expungement order directs all county agencies to seal the records, making them inaccessible through standard Montgomery County arrest records searches. Law enforcement agencies and certain employers authorized by law may still access sealed records under limited circumstances.

Search Arrest Records in Montgomery County

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