Putnam County, Ohio Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Putnam County, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in Putnam County, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records, must be accessible to the general public unless specifically exempted by law. The Ohio Public Records Act mandates that all public offices maintain records of their activities and make these records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. Citizens do not need to provide identification or state a reason for requesting access to these records.
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office and the Putnam County Court system maintain these records as part of their official duties. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with Ohio law, the fundamental arrest information remains accessible to any requesting party.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Putnam County?
Putnam County maintains digital databases that allow members of the public to access arrest records through official government portals. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search function that displays current detention information and recent arrest data. Additionally, the Putnam County Municipal Court offers an electronic case access system where users can search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
These online resources are maintained in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which permits public offices to adopt policies providing for the transmission of public records by electronic means. While basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require an in-person request at the appropriate county office. The online systems are updated regularly but may not reflect real-time information in all instances.
How to Look Up Putnam County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Putnam County. Members of the public seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
Online Database Searches: The Putnam County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent arrests. The Putnam County Courts also provide electronic access to case records through their official website.
Putnam County Clerk of Courts Office: Physical records may be obtained by visiting the Clerk's office located at: Putnam County Clerk of Courts 245 E. Main Street, Suite 302 Ottawa, OH 45875 419-523-3110 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Putnam County Sheriff's Office: Arrest records can be requested directly from: Putnam County Sheriff's Office 1035 Heritage Trail Ottawa, OH 45875 419-523-3208 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Putnam County Municipal Court: Court records related to arrests can be accessed at: Putnam County Municipal Court 245 E. Main Street Ottawa, OH 45875 419-523-3110 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records for inspection and make copies available within a reasonable period of time. Standard fees may apply for physical copies of records in accordance with Ohio law.
Contents of a Putnam County Arrest Record
Arrest records in Putnam County typically contain standardized information as required by Ohio law. These official documents generally include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address, and booking photograph (mugshot) of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer; arresting agency; and the circumstances leading to the arrest
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Ohio law or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including statute numbers and charge descriptions
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification, property inventory, and initial appearance details
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention
Court Information: Case numbers, scheduled court dates, and jurisdiction information for the Common Pleas Court or Municipal Court handling the case
In accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Additionally, records related to juvenile arrests are subject to different confidentiality standards under Ohio law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Putnam County
The State of Ohio provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. In Putnam County, individuals may petition for expungement pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36 if they meet statutory eligibility requirements.
Expungement eligibility generally applies to:
- Individuals who were arrested but never formally charged
- Persons whose charges were dismissed
- Defendants who were acquitted at trial
- First-time offenders who have completed all court-ordered requirements
- Individuals who have satisfied waiting periods established by Ohio law (typically 1 year for misdemeanors and 3 years for eligible felonies)
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the court that handled the original case. In Putnam County, these petitions are processed through either:
Putnam County Common Pleas Court 245 E. Main Street Ottawa, OH 45875 419-523-3110
Putnam County Municipal Court 245 E. Main Street Ottawa, OH 45875 419-523-3110
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecutor's office. If the court grants the expungement, all public records of the arrest and subsequent proceedings will be sealed from public view. Law enforcement agencies may retain access to sealed records for limited purposes as permitted by Ohio law.
Search Arrest Records in Putnam County
