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South Lebanon Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in South Lebanon, Ohio?

Arrest records are public in South Lebanon, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including arrest records, are subject to public disclosure. The statute is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations by providing citizens with access to public records. Under this law, any person may request access to arrest records without stating a reason for the request or providing identification.

The Warren County Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction over South Lebanon, maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain exceptions exist for records that are sealed, expunged, or related to ongoing investigations as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 and § 2953.52.

How to Look Up South Lebanon Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for accessing arrest records in South Lebanon, with both traditional and digital options provided by local authorities. The Warren County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for South Lebanon. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following procedures:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Warren County Sheriff's Office located at 822 Memorial Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A written request form must be completed, and applicable fees paid for copies of records.
Online Database Access: The Warren County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic database of court records, including information related to arrests. This system allows for searches by name, case number, or date range.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at the Warren County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. A self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for processing fees should accompany the request.
Warren County Prosecutor's Office: For information regarding the disposition of cases following arrest, the Warren County Prosecutor's Office maintains records accessible to the public at 520 Justice Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection at reasonable times during regular business hours.

Contents of a South Lebanon Arrest Record

Arrest records in South Lebanon typically contain comprehensive information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their detention. Standard components of these records include:

Subject's full legal name and any known aliases
Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race)
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory violations and charges
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records
Detention facility information
Bail or bond amount and status
Case disposition information, if available
Court docket number for related proceedings

The Warren County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10, which establishes standards for record-keeping by law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The legal foundation for public access to arrest records in South Lebanon is established by both state and federal legislation. Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43) serves as the primary statutory authority governing access to these documents. This legislation defines public records as any records kept by public offices, including law enforcement agencies, that document governmental activities.

The Warren County government adheres to these regulations, which stipulate that:

Records must be promptly prepared and made available for inspection during regular business hours
Copies must be provided at cost within a reasonable period
Electronic records must be provided in the format requested if the public office can reasonably comply
Denial of access must be accompanied by an explanation citing applicable legal authority

Additionally, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides federal guidelines that complement state regulations regarding public access to governmental records. While FOIA directly applies to federal agencies, its principles influence local practices regarding transparency and disclosure.

The Warren County Sheriff's Office, located at 822 Memorial Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036, serves as the custodian of arrest records for South Lebanon and processes requests in accordance with these legal frameworks.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records in South Lebanon are generally public, several statutory exceptions limit access to certain information. These restrictions are designed to balance transparency with privacy concerns and the integrity of the criminal justice system. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), the following categories of arrest records may be exempt from public disclosure:

Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14)
Information related to ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
Records sealed or expunged by court order under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
Information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
Medical and psychiatric records of arrestees
Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information

The Warren County Prosecutor's Office, located at 520 Justice Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036, may determine that certain arrest records should be withheld from public disclosure based on these exemptions. In such cases, the office must provide written justification citing the specific statutory provision that authorizes the withholding of information.

Individuals seeking access to restricted records may petition the appropriate court for release of the information if they can demonstrate a legitimate interest that outweighs the reasons for restriction.

Expungement of Arrest Records in South Lebanon

The expungement process in South Lebanon allows eligible individuals to have their arrest records sealed from public view. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36, expungement renders records inaccessible to the general public, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified by statute.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in South Lebanon include:

Completion of all court-ordered requirements related to the offense
Satisfaction of the statutory waiting period (typically one year for misdemeanors and three years for eligible felonies)
No pending criminal charges
Demonstration that the applicant has been rehabilitated

The expungement petition must be filed with the Warren County Court of Common Pleas, located at 500 Justice Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036. The court charges a filing fee of approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants. Upon receipt of the petition, the court forwards the application to the Warren County Prosecutor's Office for review and recommendation.

If the expungement is granted, the Warren County Clerk of Courts will notify all relevant agencies, including the Warren County Sheriff's Office, to seal the records. These agencies must comply with the court order within 60 days as mandated by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(C)(2).