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Lebanon Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lebanon, Ohio?

Arrest records are public documents in Lebanon, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that all public records, including arrest records, shall be made available for inspection to any person during regular business hours. The statutory framework supports governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records maintained by public offices, including the Lebanon Police Department and Warren County law enforcement agencies. Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including community awareness, research, and verification of law enforcement activities.

How to Look Up Lebanon Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Lebanon, Ohio. The following methods are available pursuant to Ohio's public records laws:

  • Visit the Lebanon Police Department: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the department headquarters. Records staff will assist with locating and providing copies of available documents.

    Lebanon Police Department
    105 East Main Street
    Lebanon, OH 45036
    (513) 932-2010
    Official Police Department Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Warren County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county deputies within Lebanon city limits, records may be requested from the county sheriff.

    Warren County Sheriff's Office
    822 Memorial Drive
    Lebanon, OH 45036
    (513) 695-1280
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Online Records Request: The Lebanon Police Department maintains an online records request portal where citizens may submit formal requests for arrest documentation. Pursuant to Ohio Public Records Law, responses must be provided within a reasonable timeframe.

  • Lebanon Municipal Court Records: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Lebanon Municipal Court's online record search system, which contains information on cases filed with the court.

Contents of a Lebanon Arrest Record

Lebanon arrest records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10, these records must include specific elements to ensure proper documentation. Standard arrest records contain:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers
  • Arresting agency identification and officer information
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) taken during processing
  • Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
  • Demographic information including date of birth, physical description, and identifying marks
  • Case disposition information, when available
  • Booking number and facility information
  • Vehicle information, if relevant to the arrest

The Lebanon Police Department maintains these records in accordance with departmental policies and state retention schedules as mandated by Ohio Revised Code § 149.39.

Accessing Arrest Records Through Lebanon Municipal Court

The Lebanon Municipal Court maintains judicial records related to arrests within its jurisdiction. These records provide information on case proceedings following an arrest. Citizens may access these records through multiple channels:

  • Online Court Records: The Lebanon Municipal Court's record search system provides public access to case information, including charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions.

  • In-Person Requests: Court records may be examined in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours.

    Lebanon Municipal Court
    50 South Broadway
    Lebanon, OH 45036
    (513) 932-3060
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Written Requests: Pursuant to the Local Rules of Court, citizens may submit written requests for certified copies of court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.

Court records are maintained in accordance with Ohio Supreme Court Superintendence Rule 26, which establishes retention schedules for various types of court documents, including those related to criminal proceedings.

Legal Limitations on Public Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Lebanon, Ohio law establishes certain exceptions and limitations to public access. These restrictions include:

  • Records pertaining to juvenile arrests, which are confidential under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14 unless specifically ordered released by a juvenile court judge
  • Records sealed pursuant to expungement orders under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
  • Information that would compromise ongoing investigations as provided in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(2)
  • Certain personal identifying information including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and medical records
  • Information protected by federal laws including HIPAA (health information) and FERPA (educational records)

The Lebanon Police Department and Municipal Court are required to redact protected information before releasing records to the public, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lebanon

The expungement process in Lebanon allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific statutory conditions. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31-2953.36, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet eligibility requirements:

  • First-time offenders may apply for expungement one year after final discharge for misdemeanors and three years after final discharge for felonies
  • Individuals with multiple convictions face additional waiting periods and restrictions based on offense severity
  • Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors, are ineligible for expungement

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Lebanon Municipal Court or Warren County Court of Common Pleas, depending on the original jurisdiction of the case. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will:

  1. Schedule a hearing date
  2. Notify the prosecutor's office, which may file objections
  3. Consider factors including the applicant's conduct since arrest and the public interest in maintaining the record
  4. Issue an order either granting or denying the expungement

When expungement is granted, all public records of the arrest are sealed and treated as if they never existed for most purposes. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for limited official purposes as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).

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