Arrest records in Paulding County, Ohio are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be made available for public inspection during regular business hours. The Ohio Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. Records are maintained in accordance with Ohio state retention schedules as established by the Ohio History Connection's State Archives division. Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain these records without providing identification or stating a purpose for their request, as stipulated under Ohio law.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in compliance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which exempts specific categories of information from public disclosure, including confidential law enforcement investigatory records that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Paulding County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Paulding County Sheriff's Office provides limited arrest information through their official website, including current inmate rosters and active warrants. These digital resources are updated regularly in accordance with departmental policies and Ohio public records regulations.
Online access to comprehensive arrest records may be restricted due to technological limitations and privacy considerations. While basic arrest information is typically available online, complete records including detailed arrest reports may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.
The Paulding County Commissioner's Office coordinates with various county departments to facilitate public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests and criminal proceedings. The online availability of these records represents the county's ongoing efforts to modernize record-keeping systems while maintaining compliance with state public records laws.
Users of online arrest record systems should be aware that information accessed through these platforms is subject to the same legal restrictions and exemptions as physical records, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43.
Members of the public seeking Paulding County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to arrest documentation:
• Submit a written public records request to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, located at 115 N. Williams Street, Paulding, OH 45879. Requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) or via mail.
• Visit the Paulding County Clerk of Courts office at the Paulding County Courthouse, 115 N. Williams Street, Room 104, Paulding, OH 45879. The office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
• Access the public terminals available at the Paulding County Law Library, located within the courthouse complex, which provide digital access to certain public records.
• Contact the Records Division of the Paulding County Sheriff's Office at (419) 399-3791 to inquire about specific arrest record availability and request procedures.
• Utilize the Ohio Uniform Incident Report portal through the Ohio Department of Public Safety for incidents involving traffic violations resulting in arrest.
Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and other services related to public records requests. Standard fees in Paulding County include $0.05 per page for standard copies and additional charges for certified copies or specialized record searches.
Requestors should provide as much identifying information as possible when seeking arrest records, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate efficient processing of requests.
Paulding County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio law and local record-keeping protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
• Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
• Arrest details, including date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred
• Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers and charge descriptions
• Booking information, including fingerprints collected pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 109:5-1-01
• Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
• Arresting agency information and identification of the arresting officer(s)
• Incident report number and any related case file references
• Preliminary court appearance information, including arraignment date and initial bond determination
• Detention status indicating whether the individual was released or remanded to custody
The Paulding County Court of Common Pleas maintains additional documentation related to subsequent judicial proceedings following an arrest. These records are maintained separately from initial arrest documentation but may be cross-referenced through case numbers assigned at the time of booking.
Law enforcement agencies in Paulding County adhere to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10 regarding the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information. This ensures consistency and accuracy in arrest record documentation throughout the county.
Under Ohio law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained in Paulding County. The legal process for expungement is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement 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)
• Individuals whose arrests did not result in formal charges or whose cases were dismissed
• Persons who were found not guilty of the charges for which they were arrested
• Individuals who have received an unconditional pardon for the offense
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Paulding County Court of Common Pleas, located at 115 N. Williams Street, Paulding, OH 45879. Petitioners must pay a filing fee of $50 for misdemeanors or $100 for felonies, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the Paulding County Prosecutor's Office, which may object to the expungement request. The court will consider factors including the petitioner's criminal history, rehabilitation evidence, and the public interest in maintaining the record.
If granted, an expungement order directs all county agencies, including the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts, to seal the relevant records from public view. 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.
Paulding County Sheriff's Office
115 N. Williams Street
Paulding, OH 45879
(419) 399-3791
Official Website
Paulding County Clerk of Courts
115 N. Williams Street, Room 104
Paulding, OH 45879
(419) 399-8205
Official Website