Cuyahoga Falls Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio?
Arrest records in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio are considered public documents under Ohio state law. The Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43) establishes that government records, including those created by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. This legal framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with the right to access information about arrests made within the jurisdiction.
The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers. These protections are outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which defines specific categories of records that may be withheld from public disclosure.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is generally accessible, the release of certain details may be restricted based on privacy considerations and statutory exemptions. The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns in cases such as State ex rel. Cincinnati Enquirer v. Hamilton County (2001).
How to Look Up Cuyahoga Falls Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Cuyahoga Falls. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following methods:
• In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department Records Division to submit a formal request for arrest records. Staff members can assist with locating specific information during regular business hours.
Cuyahoga Falls Police Department
2310 Second Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
(330) 971-8300
Cuyahoga Falls Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Summit County Clerk of Courts: The county courthouse maintains records of arrests that have proceeded through the judicial system, including case dispositions and court proceedings.
Summit County Clerk of Courts
209 South High Street
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 643-2212
Summit County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Online Resources: The Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court provides an electronic docket search system that allows users to access case information related to arrests within the jurisdiction. This system is accessible 24 hours per day and provides basic information about criminal cases.
• Written Requests: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), individuals may submit written public records requests to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department Records Division. Requests should include specific information such as the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest to facilitate efficient processing.
When requesting records, requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to complete a standard request form. In accordance with Ohio law, reasonable fees may be assessed for copying or reproducing requested documents.
Contents of a Cuyahoga Falls Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and subsequent processing. These records typically include the following elements:
• Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address. Any known aliases or previous names may also be documented.
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including the street address or intersection where the apprehension occurred.
• Arresting Authority: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, including the names and badge numbers of the arresting officers.
• Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Ohio Revised Code or Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Code for which the individual was arrested, including the statutory citation and description of each offense.
• Incident Report: Narrative description of the circumstances leading to the arrest, including witness statements, officer observations, and evidence collected at the scene.
• Booking Information: Documentation of the administrative processing following arrest, including fingerprinting, photographing, and personal property inventory.
• Detention Status: Information regarding pretrial detention, including bail or bond amounts established, release conditions, or continued confinement.
• Case Disposition: When available, the outcome of the criminal case, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial results, or diversion program participation.
In accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Additionally, records pertaining to victims of certain offenses may receive special protection under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(v).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Cuyahoga Falls
The State of Ohio provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, individuals may petition for the sealing of records related to arrests that did not result in conviction or for certain convictions after specified waiting periods have elapsed.
The eligibility criteria for expungement in Cuyahoga Falls include:
• Non-Conviction Records: Individuals arrested but not convicted may apply for expungement immediately following the conclusion of proceedings under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52.
• Misdemeanor Convictions: Persons convicted of misdemeanors must wait one year after final discharge before applying for record sealing under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32.
• Felony Convictions: Applicants with felony convictions must wait three years after final discharge before becoming eligible for expungement consideration.
• First Offender Status: Individuals qualifying as "first offenders" receive preferential consideration under Ohio law.
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court or the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, depending on the nature of the original case. The petition must include:
- A completed application form
- Filing fee (currently $50 for the Municipal Court)
- Certified copy of the final disposition of the case
- Proof of identity
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing and notifies the prosecutor's office, which may object to the expungement request. The court then evaluates whether the applicant meets statutory requirements and whether the public interest in maintaining the record outweighs the applicant's interest in privacy.
If granted, an expungement order directs all governmental agencies to seal the records pertaining to the arrest and/or conviction. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(C)(2), these sealed records become unavailable for public inspection and the individual may legally state that the arrest or conviction never occurred in most circumstances.
Search Arrest Records in Cuyahoga Falls
• Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court Records • Summit County Sheriff Inmate Search • Summit County Clerk of Courts Case Search • Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search
