Morrow Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Morrow, Ohio?
Arrest records in Morrow, Ohio are considered public documents pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Ohio Public Records Act operates under the presumption of openness, requiring public offices to promptly prepare and make available for inspection all public records responsive to the request.
The Warren County Sheriff's Office, which serves Morrow, maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. These records document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies operating within the jurisdiction. Under Ohio law, these records must be made available for public inspection during regular business hours, with reasonable notice.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from disclosure. These exemptions include confidential law enforcement investigatory records that might compromise an ongoing investigation, as well as information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel.
How to Look Up Morrow Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Morrow, Ohio may utilize several established methods to access this information. The Morrow County Clerk of Courts maintains official court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Individuals may access these records through the following channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Morrow County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours to request arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with locating specific records, and requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information such as the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
Online Access System: The Morrow County Court system provides a digital portal through which certain court records, including those related to arrests, may be accessed remotely. This system allows for searches by name, case number, or date range.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Morrow Municipal Court or the Warren County Sheriff's Office. Such requests should include specific details about the records being sought and contact information for the requestor.
Law Enforcement Agencies: Direct inquiries may be made to the Morrow Police Department or Warren County Sheriff's Office, which maintain their own records of arrests conducted within their jurisdictions.
Morrow Municipal Court
48 East High Street
Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
Phone: (419) 947-5045
Fax: (419) 947-4070
Morrow County Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contents of a Morrow Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Morrow law enforcement agencies and the Morrow County court system typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records are standardized in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501:2-10 and generally include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and any known aliases or previous names.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed against the individual, including the specific Ohio Revised Code sections alleged to have been violated and the classification of each offense (felony or misdemeanor).
Booking Information: Processing details including the facility where the individual was detained, booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot).
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether the individual was released on bail, the amount of bail set, court appearance dates, and any preliminary hearing outcomes.
Agency Information: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest and any other agencies involved in the investigation.
Property Inventory: Itemized list of personal property in the arrested individual's possession at the time of booking, including any items seized as evidence.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(8), certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Morrow
The expungement process in Morrow, Ohio provides a legal mechanism through which eligible individuals may have their arrest records sealed from public view. This procedure is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records must file a formal application with the court that exercised jurisdiction over their case. The application process includes the following components:
Eligibility Determination: Applicants must meet statutory requirements, which typically include:
- Completion of all terms of sentencing, including probation and payment of fines
- Absence of pending criminal charges
- Satisfaction of mandatory waiting periods (generally one year for misdemeanors and three years for eligible felonies)
- Demonstration that the applicant has been rehabilitated to the court's satisfaction
Filing Procedure: A petition for expungement must be filed with the appropriate court, accompanied by the required filing fee. The petition must include:
- Complete identification information
- Case number and date of arrest
- Statement of eligibility under relevant statutes
- Explanation of why expungement should be granted
Hearing Process: Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. Prior to this hearing, the prosecutor's office will be notified and given an opportunity to object to the expungement. The court may also order an investigation to verify the applicant's eligibility.
Judicial Determination: Following the hearing, the judge will issue a decision either granting or denying the petition for expungement. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records related to the arrest.
It should be noted that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement under Ohio law, including most violent felonies, sex offenses, and offenses where the victim was under 18 years of age. Additionally, individuals with more than two felony convictions or more than four misdemeanor convictions are generally ineligible for expungement.
The Warren County Clerk of Courts can provide specific guidance regarding the expungement process, including current filing fees and required documentation.
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