Search Public Records
Ohio Arrest Records Online >Stark County Arrest Records Online

Stark County, Ohio Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Stark County, Ohio?

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

The Stark County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under Ohio law. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public records unless specifically exempted by state statute. Exemptions may apply to certain juvenile records, ongoing investigations, or records sealed by court order.

Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate county agencies without providing identification or stating the purpose of their request, as stipulated in ORC § 149.43(B)(4). Public agencies are required to respond to such requests within a reasonable timeframe.

Stark County Sheriff's Office
4500 Atlantic Boulevard NE
Canton, OH 44705
(330) 430-3800
Stark County Sheriff's Office

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Stark County?

Stark County arrest records can be accessed online through several official digital platforms maintained by county agencies. The Stark County Clerk of Courts provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. The online availability of these records is authorized under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which permits public offices to adopt policies providing for the transmission of public records by electronic means.

The Stark County Criminal Justice Information System offers a searchable database that includes booking information, charges, and case status. This system is regularly updated to reflect current arrest data from law enforcement agencies throughout the county. Users may search by name, case number, or booking date to locate specific arrest records.

Additionally, the Stark County Jail Division maintains an inmate lookup feature that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, including their booking date, charges, and scheduled court appearances. This resource is particularly useful for obtaining recent arrest information.

It should be noted that while many records are available online, certain limitations may apply regarding the completeness of digital records. Some historical records or detailed arrest information may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.

How to Look Up Stark County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Stark County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by Ohio's public records laws. The following options are provided in accordance with ORC § 149.43:

  • Online Database Access: The Stark County Criminal Justice Information System provides 24-hour access to arrest records and court case information. Users may search by name, case number, or date range to locate specific records.

  • Clerk of Courts Office: In-person requests may be submitted at the Stark County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours. Staff can assist with locating and copying relevant records.

    Stark County Clerk of Courts
    115 Central Plaza North
    Canton, OH 44702
    (330) 451-7786
    Stark County Clerk of Courts
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Sheriff's Records Division: The Stark County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and arrest reports. Requests for these documents may be submitted in person, by mail, or via electronic form.

    Stark County Sheriff's Office Records Division
    4500 Atlantic Boulevard NE
    Canton, OH 44705
    (330) 430-3800
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Court Records: The Stark County Court of Common Pleas and Canton Municipal Court maintain records of criminal proceedings resulting from arrests. These records may be accessed through their respective clerk's offices or online portals.

Pursuant to ORC § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records for inspection and make copies available within a reasonable period. Standard copying fees may apply for physical documents as established by county fee schedules.

Contents of a Stark County Arrest Record

Stark County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Ohio law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address.

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; statutory authority for the arrest; and whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant.

  • Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Ohio Revised Code or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including charge classification (felony or misdemeanor) and degree.

  • Booking Information: Unique booking identification number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.

  • Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, pretrial release conditions, or detention status.

  • Case Disposition: Court of jurisdiction, case number, and preliminary hearing dates if available at the time of record creation.

The Stark County Jail, as the central booking facility for all law enforcement agencies in the county, maintains these records in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 5120:1-8, which establishes minimum standards for jails in Ohio.

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records pursuant to ORC § 149.43(A)(1), including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information collected during the booking process.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Stark County

The expungement of arrest records in Stark County is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36. This legal process allows for the sealing of criminal records from public view under specific circumstances. When a record is expunged, it is removed from public access but retained by law enforcement agencies for limited official purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Stark County include:

  • For misdemeanor convictions: Applicants must have no more than two misdemeanor convictions, or one misdemeanor and one felony conviction, and must wait one year after final discharge.

  • For felony convictions: Applicants must wait three years after final discharge and meet other statutory requirements regarding the nature of the offense.

  • For cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal: Applications may be filed immediately following the conclusion of proceedings.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Stark County Court of Common Pleas or the municipal court where the case was adjudicated. The court will schedule a hearing to determine if the applicant meets the statutory requirements for expungement and whether justice is served by sealing the record.

If granted, an order of expungement directs all public offices holding records of the arrest, including the Stark County Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, and Bureau of Criminal Investigation, to seal those records from public view. Pursuant to ORC § 2953.32(D), sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as specified by statute.

Stark County Court of Common Pleas
101 W. Tuscarawas Street
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7755
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Search Arrest Records in Stark County