Ohio Criminal Records
Anyone who breaks the law in Ohio, leading to an arrest, detainment, and conviction, obtains a criminal record. The record is an official account of the person's interactions with Ohio law enforcement agencies. Criminal records are generated at state and local law enforcement services, courts, and correctional units.
The generation of Ohio criminal records encourages fair trials and court proceedings as these records serve as a reference point for the judiciary. Members of the public and policymakers can study crime data and trends better to interpret the safety status of the state and locality.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) holds and maintains Ohio criminal records. Inquirers may access these records by querying the Bureau in person or via mail.
Are Criminal Records Public in Ohio?
Criminal history records maintained by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) are not accessible to the general public. Authorized release of criminal information is limited to the following:
- Federal, state, and local law enforcement with statutory permission to inspect criminal records for proper safeguarding and law execution;
- An appointing authority (OH.Rev.Stat § 4765.301);
- The fire chief of a township or fire district (OH.Rev.Stat § 505.381);
- The fire chief of a village fire department (OH.Rev.Stat § 737.221);
- Courts with access to criminal records for proper court proceedings and judgments;
- Employers seeking to conduct background checks to inform hiring decisions;
- Weapon licensing agencies and vendors seeking to ensure their customers are legally permitted to purchase firearms.
Ohio Crime Records by County
Law enforcement agencies, like the local and state police departments, typically record and report statistics of crimes that occur within their vicinity to the Ohio Department of Public Safety's (ODPS) Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS). OCJS then forwards the crime statistics in the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) format to the FBI.
OIBRS is a statewide voluntary crime reporting system for participating law enforcement bodies to submit an automated format of crime statistics in Ohio. The crime in Ohio dashboard and research data capture statewide annual and monthly offense rates across categories of committed crime, which the law enforcement agencies report to the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System (OIBRS).
The OIBRS standard is tailored to satisfy all state and local agencies' use, planning, and allocation. Users may query the data by year and law enforcement jurisdiction. This automated crime statistic-reporting system enables Ohio law enforcement agencies and policymakers to analyze crime trends in different localities effectively.
Ohio Criminal Record Check
The Criminal Unit of the Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) logs juvenile arrest reports, handles criminal case businesses, and updates records in the database. As the central repository of all criminal history records in Ohio, BCI maintains and grants authorized release of computerized criminal records.
These records are not available to the public, but record holders can request a complete and accurate copy of their computerized criminal history from BCI for review.
To conduct an Ohio criminal record check, record seekers must submit the following information to the BCI:
- Complete identification details of the record holder; this includes full name, address, and physical descriptors;
- Full and accurate fingerprint data of the individual;
- Signed consent of the person;
- $22 payment in the form of a money order, electronic payment, or business check payable to the "Treasurer of State of Ohio."
Inquirers may submit electronic fingerprints at the following BCI locations:
BCI London
1560 State Route 56 South West
London, Ohio 43140
BCI Bowling Green
750 North College Drive
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
BCI Richfield
4055 Highlander Parkway
Richfield, Ohio 44286
BCI Youngstown
20 West Federal Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
The BCI typically processes roughly a million annual background checks. The agency does this by running fingerprint comparisons against a database of criminal fingerprints to check if one has an existing criminal record. Inquirers must submit fingerprints electronically to the BCI via a WebCheck or a card scan unless they meet the necessary reasons for exemption.
Anyone who wishes to obtain a background check can visit or contact any authorized Web Check locations. Requesters who are minors must provide a signed waiver from their legal guardian or parent.
Find Criminal Records Online in Ohio
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) does not have provisions for anyone who wants to find criminal records online. Since criminal record and background checks require the individual's fingerprints and ID cards, inquirers must visit the physical office of the BCI during business hours to perform this search.
Notwithstanding, the Attorney General's Office provides an online database for finding registered sex offenders. The database offers a comprehensive list of these offenders. Likewise, one may conduct a name-based search on the website.
Alternatively, privately owned enterprises and third-party aggregator sites provide criminal history records to the general public through their online databases. Since these agencies are not affiliated with the Ohio Attorney General's office, the inquirer may need to compare government records to ensure accuracy and completeness. These vendors typically charge a nominal fee for their services.
Free Criminal Record Search in Ohio
Members of the public must pay a designated service fee to obtain Criminal History Record Information from the Bureau of Criminal Information in Ohio.
However, one may peruse criminal information for free via the Sex Offenders and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections database. It is worth mentioning here that these records are not admissible as legal documents for official purposes.
What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Ohio?
Run-ins with law enforcement agencies often result in the apprehension of an individual and further implications of a criminal record in Ohio.
This generally creates a permanent criminal reputation tied to the person's identity and future interaction with the justice system. Criminal records create a social stigma for record holders.
Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Ohio?
No, an individual's criminal records in Ohio do not automatically clear after 7 Years. Until a person applies for record sealing and expungement, their records remain accessible to the authorized bodies. Most felonies do not qualify for expungement or sealing, and some parts, if expunged, are still accessible to the public. Title 29, Chapter 2593, Section 2953.32 of the Ohio Revised Statutes cover the required procedures and processes for anyone who wishes to expunge their criminal records in Ohio.
Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record
A person's arrest record chronicles their arrest, booking, and detention before indictment and sentencing. Criminal records, however, are compiled information on an individual's arrest history, arraignment, court proceedings, and rulings. Individuals may apply for immediate expungement of their arrest records in Ohio. On the other hand, a person's criminal record may last forever until death. Application for expungement must be made 1 to 3 years after the offender's final discharge.
Ohio Police Records
Ohio state and local police generally keep and report information generated during daily official functions, from arrests to the detention of lawbreakers. These reports and information are called Ohio police records. Police records are not to be confused with criminal records since they do not contain a person's arraignment and sentencing. Unlike criminal records, members of the public may request copies of police records since they are considered public records.
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