New Philadelphia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in New Philadelphia, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in New Philadelphia, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes, including maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations and upholding the community's right to information about criminal justice proceedings.
Members of the public may request and review arrest records maintained by the New Philadelphia Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. These records document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. The Ohio Public Records Act stipulates that custodians of public records must make them available for inspection during regular business hours and provide copies upon request at cost.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where release would compromise personal safety or security. However, the presumption under Ohio law favors disclosure, with the burden of proving exemption resting with the government agency.
How to Look Up New Philadelphia Arrest Records in 2025
The City of New Philadelphia provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:
In-person requests at the New Philadelphia Police Department, located at 122 2nd Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a public records request form and provide identification.
Written requests submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, New Philadelphia Police Department, 122 2nd Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Requests should include the requestor's contact information and specific details about the records being sought.
Electronic requests through the City of New Philadelphia official website, which provides forms and instructions for submitting public records requests online.
Telephone inquiries directed to the Records Division at (330) 343-4488. Staff may provide guidance on the records request process but typically require formal written requests for actual record production.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records for inspection and make copies available within a reasonable period. Requestors should note that while basic record searches are provided without charge, fees may apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive research services as permitted under § 149.43(B)(6).
When requesting arrest records, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. This information facilitates more efficient and accurate record retrieval.
Contents of a New Philadelphia Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by New Philadelphia law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system at the point of apprehension. Standard components of these records include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and residential address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, names and badge numbers of arresting officers, and the legal authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Ohio Revised Code sections allegedly violated and the classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor).
Booking information, including fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and personal property inventory taken at the time of processing.
Detention information, including the location where the individual was held following arrest and any bail or bond determinations.
Preliminary hearing schedules and initial court appearance information.
Prior arrest history or criminal record information that may be relevant to the current case.
These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and form part of the criminal justice record that may be referenced throughout subsequent legal proceedings. The information contained in arrest records is subject to Ohio's public records laws, though certain sensitive details may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1).
Expungement of Arrest Records in New Philadelphia
The State of Ohio provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in New Philadelphia. This process is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which establishes criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public access.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in New Philadelphia include:
For cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal: Individuals may apply for expungement pursuant to § 2953.52 without waiting periods, provided no criminal proceedings are pending against them.
For first-time offenders convicted of eligible offenses: Applications may be submitted under § 2953.32 after waiting periods of one year for misdemeanors and three years for eligible felonies, measured from the date of final discharge.
For individuals with multiple convictions: More restrictive criteria apply, with detailed provisions outlined in § 2953.31 through § 2953.36.
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including most violent crimes, sex offenses, offenses against minors, and offenses carrying mandatory prison terms.
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, located at 101 E. High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Petitioners must pay filing fees (approximately $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies as of 2025), though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.
Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecutor's office, which may file objections. The court will consider factors including the petitioner's rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, and the public interest in maintaining or sealing the record.
If granted, an expungement order directs all public agencies to seal their records of the arrest and conviction, effectively removing them from public access. Law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities retain limited access to sealed records for specific purposes authorized by statute.
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