Eaton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Eaton, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in Eaton, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public to promote transparency in governmental operations. The statute specifically designates law enforcement records as public records, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, confidential informants, and juvenile matters.
The Preble County Sheriff's Office and Eaton Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Citizens seeking arrest information may obtain these documents through formal requests to the appropriate agency. Public access to these records serves multiple civic purposes:
- Enabling community awareness of local law enforcement activities
- Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Facilitating background checks for employment or housing purposes
- Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which protects specific categories of confidential information.
How to Look Up Eaton Arrest Records in 2025
The retrieval of arrest records in Eaton, Ohio requires following established protocols through authorized governmental channels. Individuals seeking such information may utilize several official methods:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Eaton Police Department located at 328 North Maple Street, Eaton, OH 45320. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (937) 456-5531.
- Request records at the Preble County Sheriff's Office at 1139 Preble Drive, Eaton, OH 45320. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays. Telephone: (937) 456-6262.
- Access records through the Eaton Municipal Court at 1199 Preble Drive, Eaton, OH 45320. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (937) 456-5125.
Online Access:
- Navigate to the Preble County Sheriff's Office website for their inmate roster and recent arrest information.
- Utilize the Eaton Municipal Court's online portal for case information related to arrests within municipal jurisdiction.
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal public records request by mail to the appropriate agency, citing Ohio Revised Code § 149.43.
- Include specific information such as the individual's full name, approximate date of arrest, and case number (if known).
Pursuant to Ohio law, agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable timeframe. Fees for copies may apply in accordance with established fee schedules, typically not exceeding $0.10 per page for standard documents.
Contents of an Eaton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Eaton law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or previous names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Social security number (partially redacted in public copies)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory violations cited (Ohio Revised Code sections)
- Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, level)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency conducting the arrest (Eaton PD, Preble County Sheriff, etc.)
Processing Information:
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification data
- Property inventory taken during booking
- Detention facility information
- Bond amount and type, if applicable
- Court appearance dates
Case Disposition:
- Initial hearing information
- Charging decisions by prosecuting authority
- Case numbers assigned by the court system
These records are maintained in accordance with Ohio's records retention schedules as established by the Ohio History Connection's State Archives division, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.38.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Eaton
The expungement process in Eaton follows Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which provides legal mechanisms for the sealing of arrest and conviction records under specific circumstances. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement through a formal judicial process.
Eligibility Criteria:
- For arrests not resulting in conviction: Individuals may apply immediately after case dismissal or acquittal (ORC § 2953.52).
- For minor misdemeanor convictions: Eligible after completion of sentence with no pending criminal proceedings.
- For most misdemeanors: Eligible one year after final discharge (ORC § 2953.32).
- For certain felonies: Eligible three years after final discharge for fourth and fifth-degree felonies; four years for third-degree felonies.
Statutory Exclusions:
- Offenses of violence as defined in ORC § 2901.01
- Sexual offenses under ORC Chapter 2907
- Offenses with victims under 18 years of age
- Felonies of the first or second degree
- Offenses carrying mandatory prison terms
Application Process:
- File a petition with the Eaton Municipal Court (for misdemeanors) or Preble County Court of Common Pleas (for felonies).
- Pay the filing fee of $50 for misdemeanors or $100 for felonies (fee waivers available for indigent applicants).
- Undergo a background check conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
- Attend a scheduled hearing where the court considers:
- The applicant's interest in sealing records
- The government's need to maintain records
- Rehabilitation evidence
- Any objections from the prosecutor's office
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. Pursuant to ORC § 2953.32(D), sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as specified by statute.
Legal Implications of Arrest Records
Arrest records in Eaton carry significant legal implications that extend beyond the immediate criminal justice process. These records, maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, impact individuals in several key areas:
Employment Consequences:
- Public sector positions often require disclosure of arrest history regardless of conviction status.
- Private employers in Ohio may legally inquire about arrests during the hiring process, though the Fair Hiring Act (ORC § 9.73) limits consideration of certain records.
- Professional licensing boards may review arrest records when evaluating applications for regulated occupations.
Housing Access:
- Landlords may conduct background checks that reveal arrest records.
- Public housing authorities review criminal history, including arrests, when determining eligibility.
- The Fair Housing Act provides limited protections against discriminatory practices based solely on arrest records.
Civil Rights Implications:
- Individuals with arrest records may face restrictions on firearm ownership under federal and state laws.
- Jury service eligibility may be affected by certain arrest records.
- Immigration consequences may arise for non-citizens with arrest records.
Financial Impacts:
- Credit reporting agencies may include arrest information in background reports.
- Bonding companies consider arrest history when determining eligibility and rates.
- Insurance premiums may be affected by certain arrest records.
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission provides guidance on the proper use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions to prevent discriminatory practices, in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 4112-5-08.
Search Arrest Records in Eaton
