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Alliance Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Alliance, Ohio?

Yes, arrest records are public in Alliance, Ohio. This accessibility is mandated by Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43), which classifies government records, including arrest records, as public information. The statute ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within Alliance and throughout Stark County. Public access to these records serves to maintain accountability of law enforcement agencies and preserve public trust in the judicial system.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information pursuant to statutory exemptions. The Alliance Municipal Court maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules.

How to Look Up Alliance Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Alliance provides multiple channels through which individuals may access arrest records. These options have been established to accommodate various needs and preferences:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Alliance Police Department located at 470 E Market St, Alliance, OH 44601. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Online Access: The Stark County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic database of court records, including those related to arrests in Alliance. This resource is available 24 hours a day.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Alliance Police Department or to the Stark County Sheriff's Office at 4500 Atlantic Blvd NE, Canton, OH 44705.
Incident Report Requests: For specific incident reports related to arrests, individuals may complete an Incident Report Request Form available through the Stark County Sheriff's Office.

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information such as the name of the arrested individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. A nominal fee may apply for copies of records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1).

Contents of an Alliance Arrest Record

Alliance arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard components include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest within Alliance city limits
Offense Information: Nature and classification of alleged criminal violations, including applicable Ohio Revised Code sections
Arresting Agency: Identification of the law enforcement entity that conducted the arrest (Alliance Police Department, Stark County Sheriff's Office, etc.)
Booking Data: Processing information, including fingerprints, booking photographs (mugshots), and unique identification numbers
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system
Court Information: Scheduled appearances at the Alliance Municipal Court or Stark County Court of Common Pleas

These records are maintained in accordance with Ohio's records retention schedules and may be accessed through the methods outlined in the previous section. The City of Alliance adheres to all applicable state regulations regarding the maintenance and accessibility of these public records.

Legal Framework for Public Arrest Records in Ohio

The accessibility of arrest records in Alliance is governed by a comprehensive legal framework. Ohio's commitment to governmental transparency is codified in several key statutes:

Ohio Public Records Act (ORC § 149.43): Establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access public records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings
Ohio Criminal Rule 16: Governs discovery in criminal cases, including what information must be disclosed to defendants
Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31-2953.36: Outlines provisions for record sealing and expungement
Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10: Establishes standards for criminal history record information

The Stark County Court of Common Pleas and Alliance Municipal Court operate within this framework to ensure proper handling of arrest records. These courts balance the public's right to information with protections for individual privacy and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

Law enforcement agencies in Alliance, including the police department referenced in the City of Alliance audit report, must adhere to these regulations when creating, maintaining, and providing access to arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Alliance

Alliance residents may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances prescribed by Ohio law. Expungement eligibility criteria include:

Case Outcome: Dismissals, acquittals, or no-bill determinations by grand juries typically qualify for immediate expungement consideration
Offense Classification: First-time, non-violent offenders have greater eligibility than those with serious or multiple offenses
Waiting Period: For convictions, statutory waiting periods must elapse before expungement applications can be considered (generally 1 year for misdemeanors and 3 years for eligible felonies)
Rehabilitation Evidence: Demonstration of rehabilitation and law-abiding behavior since the arrest

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the court that handled the original case. For Alliance arrests, this is typically either:

Alliance Municipal Court
470 E Market St
Alliance, OH 44601
330-823-6614
Alliance Municipal Court Website

Stark County Court of Common Pleas
101 W Tuscarawas St
Canton, OH 44702
330-451-7755
Stark County Court Website

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the applicant meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the record will be sealed from public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes as permitted by law.

Limitations on Access to Alliance Arrest Records

While arrest records in Alliance are generally public, several important exceptions and limitations exist under Ohio law:

Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged through court order are not accessible to the general public
Juvenile Records: Arrest records for minors are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358
Ongoing Investigations: Information that could compromise active investigations may be temporarily withheld
Privacy Protections: Certain personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account information, and medical data are typically redacted
Special Categories: Records related to domestic violence victims, confidential informants, and certain sex crime victims have additional protections

The Stark County Clerk of Courts and Alliance Police Department are responsible for applying these limitations when responding to public records requests. Individuals seeking access to records subject to these restrictions may need to demonstrate legal authorization or obtain a court order.