Richland County, Ohio Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Richland County, Ohio?
Yes, arrest records are public in Richland County, Ohio. This accessibility is governed by the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43), which mandates that all government records, unless specifically exempted, are to be made available to the public. Arrest records, as part of the public law enforcement and judicial administration duties, fall under this act, thereby making them accessible for public inspection.
The Richland County Sheriff's Office Records Department maintains these public records, which include criminal reports, summonses, and related documentation. Pursuant to Ohio law, members of the public may request copies of these records during regular business hours.
Richland County Sheriff's Office
597 Park Avenue East
Mansfield, OH 44905
419-774-5881
Official Website
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Richland County?
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Richland County. These records are typically accessible through various public and governmental platforms that aggregate such data for public use. The availability online facilitates easier access and review by individuals seeking information on arrests within the county.
The Richland County Common Pleas Court provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Additionally, the county maintains a Who's in Jail database that provides current information about individuals currently detained in county facilities.
Online access to these records is provided in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which states that public offices must organize records in a manner that facilitates prompt access. Electronic availability fulfills this statutory requirement while providing convenience to the public.
Richland County Clerk of Courts
50 Park Avenue East
Mansfield, OH 44902
419-774-5560
Official Website
How to Look Up Richland County Arrest Records in 2025
To obtain Richland County arrest records in 2025, individuals have multiple options available under Ohio public records law:
Visit the Richland County Sheriff's Office in person at 597 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH 44905 to request records. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Access the Richland County Common Pleas Court website, which provides a searchable database of court cases, including those stemming from arrests.
Utilize public access terminals available in the Richland County Courthouse at 50 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH 44902 or at public libraries within Richland County.
Contact the Clerk of Courts for Richland County at 419-774-5560, as they maintain records of all court proceedings, including those related to arrests.
Submit a written public records request pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 to the appropriate agency, specifying the records sought.
Requestors should note that while basic record searches are typically provided without charge, fees may apply for copies of documents in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1).
Contents of a Richland County Arrest Record
A Richland County arrest record typically includes the following information as mandated by Ohio law and county record-keeping protocols:
- Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Detailed account of the alleged offense, including applicable Ohio Revised Code sections
- Arresting agency and officer's identification information
- Booking details, including photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
- Bail/bond conditions, if established
- Case number and court assignment information
- Initial appearance date and preliminary hearing schedule
- Custody status (detained or released)
The comprehensiveness of these records serves multiple public interests, including transparency in law enforcement operations and the judicial process. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, these records must be maintained with accuracy and made available for public inspection, with limited redactions permitted only for information specifically exempted by statute.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Richland County
In Richland County, individuals may request the expungement of their arrest records under certain conditions established by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36. The eligibility for expungement typically depends on the nature of the crime, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since the arrest or conviction.
The process involves filing a petition with the Richland County Common Pleas Court that handled the case. Required forms can be obtained from the court's forms repository. A judge will determine whether the expungement can be granted based on statutory criteria and arguments presented.
For first-time offenders, Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 provides a pathway to seal records after a waiting period of one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies, calculated from the date of final discharge. Individuals with multiple convictions face additional restrictions and longer waiting periods.
Upon successful expungement, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(C)(2), all index references to the case are deleted, and the proceedings are deemed not to have occurred. However, certain government agencies may retain limited access to sealed records for specific purposes outlined in the statute.
Richland County Probate Court
50 Park Avenue East
Mansfield, OH 44902
419-774-5575
Official Website
Search Arrest Records in Richland County
