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.
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.
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:
The Lebanon Police Department maintains these records in accordance with departmental policies and state retention schedules as mandated by Ohio Revised Code § 149.39.
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.
While arrest records are generally public in Lebanon, Ohio law establishes certain exceptions and limitations to public access. These restrictions include:
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).
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:
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:
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).