>Scioto County Arrest Records Online

Scioto County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Scioto County, Ohio?

Arrest records are public documents in Scioto County, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The statute serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records maintained by public agencies throughout Ohio.

The Ohio Public Records Act specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest logs, incident reports, and booking information, as public records subject to disclosure. However, certain exceptions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would compromise public safety as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1).

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Scioto County should be aware that while these documents are legally accessible, specific procedures for obtaining them must be followed in accordance with local agency protocols and state regulations.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Scioto County?

Scioto County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by state and local government agencies. The Scioto County Clerk of Courts provides an online portal where members of the public may search for criminal case information, including arrest details. This system allows users to search by name, case number, or filing date to locate relevant records.

Additionally, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction maintains a searchable database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following arrests in Scioto County and other jurisdictions throughout Ohio.

The online availability of these records is subject to the provisions of Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which governs public access to government records while balancing privacy concerns and public safety considerations. Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, more comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.

How to Look Up Scioto County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Scioto County arrest records have multiple methods available for accessing this information:

Visit the Scioto County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may request arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office.

Scioto County Sheriff's Office
612 Sixth Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8261
www.sciotocountysheriff.org
Contact the Portsmouth Police Department: For arrests made within city limits, records may be obtained from:

Portsmouth Police Department
728 Second Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 353-4101
Access the Clerk of Courts Office: Court records related to arrests can be obtained from:

Scioto County Clerk of Courts
602 Seventh Street, Room 105
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 355-8208
Submit a Public Records Request: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, citizens may submit formal public records requests in writing to the appropriate agency. These requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
Utilize Online Resources: The Ohio Crash System and other state databases may contain information related to arrests stemming from traffic incidents or other law enforcement actions in Scioto County.

Requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to pay reasonable fees for copying or certification of records as permitted under Ohio law.

Contents of a Scioto County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Scioto County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as mandated by Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-1-21:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory violations and charges filed, with reference to applicable Ohio Revised Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information including fingerprints and booking photographs ("mugshots")
Custody status and bail determination
Case disposition information, when available
Agency case numbers and other administrative identifiers

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records related to arrests documented in Portsmouth Municipal Court cases, for example, may contain additional information regarding court appearances and judicial proceedings.

It should be noted that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), certain sensitive information may be redacted from arrest records prior to public disclosure, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Scioto County

Under Ohio law, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Scioto County. This process is governed by Ohio Revised Code §§ 2953.31-2953.36, which establishes criteria for eligibility and procedures for application.

The expungement process typically involves the following steps:

Filing a petition with the court that handled the original case
Payment of applicable filing fees (currently $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies)
Attendance at a hearing before a judge who will determine eligibility
Issuance of a court order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records if the petition is granted

Eligibility for expungement in Scioto County depends on several factors:

For cases resulting in conviction, first-time offenders must wait one year after final discharge for misdemeanors or three years for felonies
For cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal, individuals may apply immediately
Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors, are ineligible for expungement under Ohio law
Applicants must have satisfied all court-ordered obligations, including payment of fines, restitution, and completion of probation

The STAR Community Justice Center in Scioto County may provide resources and guidance for individuals seeking expungement of their arrest records. Upon successful expungement, records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies under certain circumstances as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32.