Williams County, Ohio Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Williams County, Ohio?
Arrest records are public in Williams County, 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 subject to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Ohio Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in governmental operations serves the public interest, thereby mandating that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Williams County be accessible to members of the general public.
The Williams County Sheriff's Office, as the primary law enforcement agency in the county, maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Individuals seeking access to arrest records may submit requests in person, by mail, or through designated electronic platforms. The custodian of records is obligated to provide these documents within a reasonable timeframe as stipulated by Ohio Rev. Code § 149.43(B)(1).
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under statutory exemptions, such as confidential informant identities, ongoing investigation details, or juvenile records that have not been transferred to adult court pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 2151.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Williams County?
Williams County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Williams County Clerk of Courts provides digital access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public transparency and efficient record management as mandated by Ohio law.
The Williams County Records Search portal serves as the primary digital repository for public records, including arrest documentation. Users may search these databases using various identifiers such as name, case number, or date of arrest. The system is designed to provide 24-hour access to public records, thereby enhancing convenience for citizens, legal professionals, and other stakeholders requiring this information.
It should be understood that online records may not always contain complete arrest information. Certain details may be available only through in-person requests at the appropriate county offices. Additionally, the timeliness of online updates varies, with some records experiencing processing delays before appearing in digital databases.
How to Look Up Williams County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Williams County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:
Williams County Sheriff's Office: Citizens may request arrest records directly from the Sheriff's Office, which maintains the most comprehensive database of county arrests.
Williams County Sheriff's Office
One Courthouse Square
Bryan, OH 43506
Phone: (419) 636-3151
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Official WebsiteWilliams County Clerk of Courts: The Legal Division of the Clerk's office maintains records of all court proceedings related to arrests within the county jurisdiction.
Williams County Clerk of Courts
One Courthouse Square, 3rd Floor
Bryan, OH 43506
Phone: (419) 636-1555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Official WebsiteOnline Public Records Portal: The county maintains a Public Records system that allows for remote searches of arrest documentation and related court proceedings.
Municipal Police Departments: Local police departments within Williams County municipalities maintain their own arrest records, which may be requested directly from these agencies.
Pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection upon request during regular business hours. Requestors may also receive copies of these records at cost, as prescribed by law.
Contents of a Williams County Arrest Record
Williams County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Ohio law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Detention facility information
- Case disposition if available
- Bond amount and status
- Court appearance dates
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Williams County Sheriff's Office generally contain more detailed information than those kept by smaller municipal departments within the county.
It should be noted that pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information protected under federal HIPAA regulations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Williams County
The expungement process in Williams County allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific statutory conditions. Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36 governs this procedure, which effectively removes eligible arrest records from public access. Individuals seeking expungement must file a formal petition with the Williams County Court of Common Pleas.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Williams County include:
- First-time offenders may apply for expungement one year after final discharge for misdemeanors and three years after final discharge for felonies, pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 2953.32(A)(1).
- Individuals with multiple convictions face more restrictive eligibility requirements as detailed in Ohio Rev. Code § 2953.31(A).
- Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors, are statutorily ineligible for expungement under Ohio Rev. Code § 2953.36.
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may be sealed immediately following the conclusion of proceedings.
The expungement application process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Williams County Court of Common Pleas
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies)
- Completion of a background check through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation
- Attendance at a scheduled court hearing
- Judicial review and determination
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order to all relevant agencies to seal the records. These agencies include the Williams County Sheriff's Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and any municipal police departments involved in the case. Once sealed, these records are no longer accessible to the general public but remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in Ohio Rev. Code § 2953.32(D).
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