Arrest records are public documents in Newton Falls, 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 maintain transparency in governmental operations and upholds citizens' right to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities. Public access to these records enables citizens to monitor the actions of local law enforcement agencies and promotes accountability within the criminal justice system. The Newton Falls Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established protocols.
Multiple avenues exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Newton Falls as of 2025. Individuals may utilize any of the following official channels to access this information:
Newton Falls Police Department: Citizens may submit requests in person at the department headquarters. Staff will assist with locating relevant records during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search.
Newton Falls Police Department
19 N. Canal Street
Newton Falls, OH 44444
(330) 872-5757
Newton Falls Police Department
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office: As the county-level law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over Newton Falls, the Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for the entire county.
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office
150 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2508
Trumbull County Sheriff
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts: The Clerk maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Their public access terminal allows for on-site searches.
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
161 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2557
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI): For comprehensive background checks that include arrest records, the BCI provides official record searches for a statutory fee.
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
(740) 845-2000
Ohio BCI
Arrest records maintained by Newton Falls law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Ohio Administrative Code § 4501:2-10. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of information may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Pursuant to Ohio law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license information, and medical data.
The expungement process in Newton Falls operates under the authority of Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, which establishes procedures for sealing criminal records. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements and follow prescribed procedures:
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must qualify as either "first offenders" or "eligible offenders" as defined by statute. Generally, this requires completion of all court-ordered sanctions and a waiting period of one year for misdemeanors or three years for felonies.
Statutory Exclusions: Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including most violent felonies, sex offenses, offenses against minors, and offenses where the victim was under 13 years of age.
Application Process: Eligible individuals must file an Application for Sealing of Record with the Newton Falls Municipal Court or the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case.
Newton Falls Municipal Court
19 N. Canal Street
Newton Falls, OH 44444
(330) 872-0870
Newton Falls Municipal Court
Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas
161 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2650
Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas
Judicial Review: Upon receipt of an application, the court will schedule a hearing date. The prosecutor's office receives notification and may file objections. The court considers factors including the applicant's rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, and the public interest in maintaining the record.
Effect of Expungement: If granted, the expungement order directs all governmental agencies to seal the records pertaining to the case. The records are not destroyed but are removed from public access. Under Ohio law, expunged records may still be accessed by law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as authorized by statute.
Applicants are advised that expungement is a judicial determination, not an automatic right. The court retains discretion to grant or deny applications based on statutory criteria and the totality of circumstances.