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Licking County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Licking County

Arrest records in Licking County are considered public information under Ohio's Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes that records kept by any public office, including law enforcement agencies, are public records unless specifically exempted by law. Members of the public may access these records pursuant to the provisions outlined in the statute.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Ohio law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public records access through its Sunshine Laws Manual, which clarifies that arrest records maintained by the Licking County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies are subject to public disclosure. However, certain information within these records may be redacted if it falls under specific exemptions outlined in § 149.43(A)(1), such as confidential investigatory records or information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel.

What's in Licking County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Licking County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Home address
  • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Fingerprints
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute or ordinance violations
  • Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
  • Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date issued
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number
  • Processing officer information
  • Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
  • Bond status (posted, denied, pending)

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Case number
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Expected release date (if applicable)
  • Facility where detained

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation or parole status
  • Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
  • Victim information (often redacted in public records)
  • Witness information (often redacted in public records)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest, as outlined in the Ohio Criminal Rules of Procedure.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Licking County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Licking County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county currently maintains multiple access points for arrest record retrieval:

  1. Visit the Licking County Sheriff's Office in person:

Licking County Sheriff's Office
155 E Main St.
Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 670-5500
Licking County Sheriff's Office

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Individuals requesting records in person should:

  • Complete a public records request form
  • Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of arrest, etc.)
  • Present valid identification
  • Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees (typically $0.05 per page)

  1. Submit a written request:

    • Prepare a written request specifying the records sought
    • Include contact information for response
    • Mail or deliver to the Sheriff's Office address listed above
    • Requests may also be faxed to (740) 670-5514

  2. Contact the Licking County Clerk of Courts:

Licking County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square, 3rd Floor
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-5790
Licking County Clerk of Courts

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

The Clerk of Courts maintains records of all criminal cases filed in Licking County, including information related to arrests that resulted in formal charges.

  1. Contact the arresting agency directly:
    • Newark Police Department, Pataskala Police Department, or other local law enforcement agencies may maintain their own arrest records
    • Contact the specific agency that conducted the arrest for their records request procedures

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare and make available public records for inspection upon request during regular business hours. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time.

How To Find Licking County Arrest Records Online

Licking County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:

  1. Licking County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:

    • Visit the Licking County Jail Inmate Information page
    • Access the Active Inmate Listing to view currently incarcerated individuals
    • Search by name to locate specific inmates
    • Records typically include booking date, charges, and bond information
    • This resource is updated regularly to reflect current inmate population

  2. Licking County Clerk of Courts Online Records:

    • Navigate to the Licking County Clerk of Courts website
    • Select "Case Information" or "Records Search"
    • Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
    • Review case information, which may include arrest details if formal charges were filed
    • Note that some documents may require in-person access or additional fees

  3. Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search:

    • For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, use the Ohio Offender Search
    • Enter name or inmate number
    • View current status, location, and offense information
    • This database includes only individuals in state custody, not county jail inmates

  4. Third-Party Background Check Services:

    • Commercial services aggregate public records, including arrests
    • Fees typically apply for comprehensive reports
    • Information may not be as current or complete as official sources
    • Use with caution as accuracy is not guaranteed by Licking County officials

When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:

  • Not all arrest records may be available online
  • Recent arrests may not appear immediately in databases
  • Some information may be redacted in accordance with Ohio law
  • Online records should be verified through official channels for complete accuracy

How To Search Licking County Arrest Records for Free?

Licking County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records without cost through several available channels:

  1. In-Person Inspection at the Sheriff's Office:
    • Visit the Licking County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
    • Request to inspect specific arrest records
    • Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public offices must make records available for inspection at no charge
    • While inspection is free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested

Licking County Sheriff's Office
155 E Main St.
Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 670-5500
Licking County Sheriff's Office

  1. Free Online Resources:

    • The Sheriff's Office maintains a free inmate lookup tool showing current jail population
    • This resource provides basic arrest information including charges, arrest date, and bond status
    • The database is updated regularly and accessible 24/7 without registration or fees

  2. Public Access Terminals:

    • Computer terminals at the Licking County Courthouse provide free access to court records
    • These terminals may contain information about arrests that resulted in court cases
    • Available during regular courthouse hours at no cost

Licking County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Square
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-5700

  1. Public Libraries:
    • Local libraries often provide free internet access
    • Patrons can use library computers to access the county's public online resources
    • Library staff may assist with navigating public records websites

Licking County Library
101 W Main St.
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 349-5500
Licking County Library

  1. Media Reports:
    • Local newspapers and news websites often report on significant arrests
    • Police blotters may be published regularly with arrest information
    • These sources provide free, though limited, arrest information

When searching for free arrest records, requestors should note that:

  • Complete records may require formal requests
  • Some information may be redacted in publicly accessible versions
  • The most current and comprehensive information may require in-person requests
  • Free resources typically provide basic information rather than complete arrest files

How To Delete Arrest Records in Licking County

Under Ohio law, arrest records cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. The processes of sealing and expungement are distinct legal remedies:

Record Sealing restricts public access to arrest and conviction records but preserves them for limited access by law enforcement and certain government agencies. Expungement is a more complete removal of records, though even expunged records may be maintained in sealed government archives.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, individuals may apply to have their records sealed if they meet the following criteria:

  1. For misdemeanor convictions:

    • Must wait one year after final discharge (completion of sentence, probation, etc.)
    • No pending criminal proceedings

  2. For felony convictions:

    • Must wait three years after final discharge
    • No pending criminal proceedings
    • Certain serious offenses are ineligible

  3. For cases resulting in not guilty verdicts, dismissals, or no bills:

    • May apply immediately after case conclusion
    • No waiting period required

The process for sealing records in Licking County involves:

  1. Filing an application with the Licking County Clerk of Courts
  2. Paying applicable filing fees (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available)
  3. Attending a hearing before a judge
  4. Demonstrating rehabilitation and that sealing serves the public interest

Licking County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square, 3rd Floor
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-5790
Licking County Clerk of Courts

For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may apply under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52 to have these records sealed. This provision specifically addresses situations where:

  • Charges were never filed
  • Charges were dismissed
  • The individual was found not guilty
  • Grand jury returned a "no bill"

Certain offenses are ineligible for sealing or expungement, including:

  • Most violent felonies
  • Sex offenses
  • Offenses where the victim was under 18 years old
  • Certain traffic offenses
  • Offenses carrying mandatory prison terms

Legal representation is strongly recommended for navigating the record sealing process. The Licking County Public Defender's Office may provide assistance to qualifying individuals:

Licking County Public Defender
15 N. 3rd Street
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-5250

What Happens After Arrest in Licking County?

Following an arrest in Licking County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Ohio law and local procedures:

  1. Booking Process:

    • Arrestee is transported to the Licking County Justice Center
    • Personal information is recorded
    • Fingerprints and photographs are taken
    • Personal property is inventoried and secured
    • Initial health screening is conducted

  2. Initial Appearance:

    • Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (typically within 24 hours)
    • Judge informs defendant of charges
    • Constitutional rights are explained
    • Bail determination is made
    • Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies

  3. Bail/Bond Determination:

    • Judge sets bail based on:
      • Severity of charges
      • Criminal history
      • Flight risk
      • Community ties
      • Public safety considerations
    • Types of release may include:
      • Personal recognizance (no money required)
      • Cash bond
      • Surety bond (through bondsman)
      • Property bond

  4. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):

    • Held within 10 days if defendant is in custody, 15 days if not
    • Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
    • Case may be bound over to grand jury
    • May be waived by defendant

  5. Grand Jury Proceedings (Felony Cases):

    • Grand jury reviews evidence in closed session
    • Determines if sufficient evidence exists for indictment
    • No judge present; prosecutor presents case
    • Defendant typically not present or represented

  6. Arraignment:

    • Formal reading of charges
    • Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
    • Trial date may be set
    • Discovery process begins

  7. Pre-Trial Proceedings:

    • Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
    • Motion hearings
    • Plea negotiations
    • Pre-trial conferences

  8. Trial:

    • Jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
    • Prosecution presents case
    • Defense presents case
    • Verdict rendered

  9. Sentencing (if convicted):

    • Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
    • Victim impact statements may be presented
    • Judge imposes sentence based on:
      • Ohio sentencing guidelines
      • Severity of offense
      • Criminal history
      • Mitigating/aggravating factors

  10. Post-Conviction:

    • Appeal rights explained
    • Sentence begins
    • Probation supervision if applicable
    • Incarceration if ordered

Throughout this process, individuals are held at the Licking County Justice Center unless released on bail or bond:

Licking County Justice Center
155 E. Main Street
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-5500
Licking County Sheriff's Office

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Licking County?

Arrest records in Licking County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which governs records retention for local government entities. The specific retention periods vary based on the type of record and its disposition:

  1. Arrest Records with No Charges Filed:

    • Generally retained for a minimum of 2 years
    • May be retained longer at the discretion of the law enforcement agency
    • After retention period, records may be transferred to archives or destroyed

  2. Arrest Records with Charges Filed:

    • Maintained permanently if related to felony cases
    • Misdemeanor case records typically retained for 5 years after case closure
    • Minor misdemeanor records may be retained for 2 years after case closure

  3. Booking Records:

    • Photographs, fingerprints, and booking information typically retained for 25 years
    • For serious offenses (homicide, sexual assault, etc.), records are maintained permanently
    • Digital records may be maintained indefinitely due to minimal storage requirements

  4. Investigative Records:

    • Homicide investigations maintained permanently
    • Felony investigations typically retained for 25 years
    • Misdemeanor investigations generally retained for 5 years
    • Unfounded investigations may be purged after 5 years

The Licking County Records Commission oversees the implementation of records retention schedules for county agencies, including the Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement entities. This commission ensures compliance with state requirements while addressing local needs.

It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, information may persist in various databases and digital archives. Additionally, court records related to arrests typically have different retention schedules than law enforcement records:

  • Felony court records are generally maintained permanently
  • Misdemeanor court records may be retained for 5-50 years depending on the offense
  • Traffic case records typically retained for 5 years after case closure

The Ohio History Connection (formerly Ohio Historical Society) may designate certain records as having historical value, requiring their permanent preservation regardless of standard retention schedules.

How to Find Mugshots in Licking County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Licking County, mugshots are typically taken at the Licking County Justice Center as part of the standard booking procedure.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Licking County are primarily maintained by the Licking County Sheriff's Office as part of their arrest and booking records. These photographs are stored in the following locations:

Licking County Sheriff's Office
155 E Main St.
Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 670-5500
Licking County Sheriff's Office

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots in Licking County have several options:

  1. Submit a public records request to the Sheriff's Office:

    • Prepare a written request specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
    • Submit in person, by mail, or by fax to the Sheriff's Office
    • Include contact information for response
    • Be prepared to pay copying fees (typically $0.05 per page for printed copies)

  2. Visit the Sheriff's Office in person:

    • Request to view booking photographs during regular business hours
    • Provide specific information about the individual sought
    • Staff will assist with locating available records

Can They Be Found Online

The Licking County Sheriff's Office currently provides limited online access to mugshots through their inmate information system. This database includes:

  • Photographs of currently incarcerated individuals
  • Basic booking information
  • Charges and bond status
  • Expected release dates when applicable

Historical mugshots of individuals no longer in custody are generally not available through the online system and require a formal records request.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain mugshots from Licking County authorities:

  1. Complete a public records request form (available at the Sheriff's Office or downloadable from their website)
  2. Provide specific identifying information about the subject
  3. Submit the request through approved channels
  4. Pay any applicable fees for reproduction
  5. Allow time for processing (typically 3-10 business days)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

While mugshots are generally considered public records under Ohio law, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile arrest records and photographs are confidential under Ohio law
  • Records sealed pursuant to court order are not publicly accessible
  • Ongoing investigations may result in temporary withholding of booking photographs
  • Certain victim-related information may be redacted from associated records

The release of mugshots is governed by the Ohio Public Records Act, which establishes the presumption of openness while recognizing specific exemptions to protect privacy and safety interests.

Lookup Arrest Records in Licking County

Licking County Jail Active Inmate Listing

Licking County Sheriff's Department

Licking County Jail Inmate Information

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search

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