Licking County Criminal Records
What Is Licking County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Licking County, Ohio constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which establishes the framework for public records in the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions by law enforcement that may not result in formal charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older (generally public)
- Juvenile Records: Records for offenders under 18 (typically sealed under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358)
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest or apprehension
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Licking County:
Licking County Sheriff's Office
155 E Main St.
Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 670-5555
Licking County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Licking County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-5791
Licking County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts maintains comprehensive case records including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
(740) 845-2000
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
BCI maintains statewide criminal history information and provides background check services.
Licking County criminal records typically document the entire criminal justice process from arrest through final disposition, including charges filed, arraignment details, plea information, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing outcomes such as incarceration, probation, or parole.
Are Criminal Records Public In Licking County
Criminal records in Licking County are generally public documents pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act, which establishes the presumption that government records are accessible to the public. The Act states that "all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours."
Public criminal records in Licking County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Probation and parole information
However, certain categories of criminal records are restricted from public access under Ohio law:
- Active criminal investigations
- Records sealed by court order under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records where disclosure would endanger law enforcement personnel
- Records containing confidential informant information
- Certain victim information, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses
The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access criminal records while recognizing legitimate exceptions. In State ex rel. Cincinnati Enquirer v. Hamilton County (2001), the court affirmed that "public records are the people's records, and officials in whose custody they happen to be are merely trustees for the people."
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Licking County should be aware that while most adult criminal records are accessible, specific statutory exemptions may apply to certain documents or information contained within those records. The custodial agency is responsible for reviewing records and redacting exempt information before release.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Licking County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Licking County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes.
For court records, individuals may:
- Access the Licking County Common Pleas Case Records Search portal
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- Review available case information including charges, hearings, and dispositions
- Request certified copies of specific documents if needed
For in-person court record requests:
Licking County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-5791
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Licking County Clerk of Courts
Requestors should:
- Complete a public records request form (available at the counter)
- Provide specific case information when possible
- Present identification if requesting certified copies
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies
For jail and arrest records:
Licking County Sheriff's Office
155 E Main St.
Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 670-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Licking County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains the Licking County Jail Active Inmate Listing which provides current custody information.
For comprehensive criminal history information:
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
(740) 845-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
BCI provides background check services that include:
- WebCheck electronic fingerprinting (available at authorized locations)
- Civilian background checks
- Criminal history reports
Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 109:5-1-01, requestors must provide proper identification and may be required to submit fingerprints for certain types of criminal history checks.
How To Find Criminal Records in Licking County Online?
Licking County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals offer convenient access to various components of the county's criminal justice system.
The primary online resources include:
-
Licking County Common Pleas Court Records Search
- Available at: Court Records Search Portal
- Contains: Case information, charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing details
- Search options: Name, case number, filing date
- Registration: Not required for basic searches
- Limitations: Some documents may only be viewable at courthouse terminals
-
Licking County Jail Inmate Search
- Available at: Licking County Jail Active Inmate Listing
- Contains: Current inmate roster, booking information, charges, bond amounts
- Search options: Name search
- Registration: Not required
- Updates: Information typically updated daily
-
Licking County Sheriff's Sales
- Available at: Sheriff's Foreclosure Sales
- Contains: Property foreclosure information related to court judgments
- Search options: Property address, case number
- Registration: Not required
- Limitations: Historical sales may not be available online
-
Ohio Courts Network (OCN)
- Available at: Ohio Courts Network
- Contains: Statewide case information from participating courts
- Search options: Name, case number, date range
- Registration: Required for full access (limited to authorized users)
- Limitations: Not all case types or documents available
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Information accuracy depends on timely data entry by the respective agencies
- Case information online may be abbreviated compared to official court files
- Some sensitive cases or information may be restricted from online access
- Electronic records are subject to the same exemptions as physical records under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43
- For certified copies or complete case files, in-person requests may still be necessary
The Licking County Clerk of Courts maintains electronic court records pursuant to Ohio Supreme Court Superintendence Rule 44-47, which governs public access to court records.
Can You Search Licking County Criminal Records for Free?
Licking County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, consistent with Ohio's public records laws. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must make records available "at cost," which allows for free inspection while permitting reasonable charges for copies.
Free inspection options include:
In-Person Inspection:
Licking County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-5791
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Licking County Clerk of Courts
- Public terminals available for searching court records
- No charge for viewing records on-site
- Staff assistance available for locating records
Licking County Sheriff's Office
155 E Main St.
Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 670-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Licking County Sheriff's Office
- Public counter available for requesting viewable records
- No charge for reviewing available records on-site
Free Online Resources:
-
Licking County Common Pleas Court Records Search
- Available at: Court Records Search Portal
- No registration or access fees
- Provides case summaries, party information, and docket entries
-
Licking County Jail Inmate Search
- Available at: Licking County Jail Active Inmate Listing
- Free access without registration
- Updated regularly with current inmate information
-
Licking County Sheriff's Sales
- Available at: Sheriff's Foreclosure Sales
- Free access to foreclosure information
While inspection and basic online searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies (typically $0.05-$0.25 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Background checks through BCI ($22-$35)
- Specialized searches requiring staff research time
- Mailed or electronic delivery of voluminous records
The Ohio Court of Appeals has affirmed in State ex rel. Warren Newspapers v. Hutson (1994) that while public offices may charge for the actual cost of copies, they cannot impose fees for inspection of records during regular business hours.
What's Included in a Licking County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Licking County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained according to standards established by the Ohio Criminal Justice Information System and local record-keeping protocols.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Felony or misdemeanor classification
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Hearing dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protection or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/OVI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Criminal records maintained by the Licking County Clerk of Courts are organized by case number and contain the official court documentation, while records maintained by the Licking County Sheriff's Office focus primarily on arrest, booking, and incarceration information.
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on case age, record type, and maintaining agency. Records from before the digital era may contain less detail than contemporary records maintained in electronic case management systems.
How Long Does Licking County Keep Criminal Records?
Licking County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which authorizes county records commissions to establish retention periods. These schedules vary by record type and maintaining agency.
Court Records Retention:
The Licking County Clerk of Courts retains criminal case records according to the following general guidelines:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Maintained for 50 years after case closure
- Traffic Case Files: Maintained for 25 years after case closure
- Search Warrants: Maintained for 5 years after execution
- Grand Jury Records: Permanently maintained (with restricted access)
- Court Dockets and Journals: Permanently maintained
- Court Exhibits: Retained until all appeals are exhausted, then returned or destroyed
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Licking County Sheriff's Office typically maintains records according to these timeframes:
- Arrest Records: Permanently maintained
- Incident Reports: Maintained for 5 years after creation
- Investigation Files:
- Homicide: Permanently maintained
- Felonies: 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Permanently maintained
- Jail Records: 10 years after release
- Body/Dash Camera Footage: 2 years (longer if part of an investigation)
Expungement and Sealing:
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, eligible criminal records may be sealed or expunged upon court order. When records are sealed:
- Public access is restricted
- Records are removed from public indexes
- The physical/digital records are maintained but segregated from public records
- Law enforcement and certain government agencies retain limited access
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation maintains state criminal history records indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court. These records are accessible through background check services for authorized purposes.
Records retention practices are periodically reviewed by the Licking County Records Commission, which may update retention schedules based on legal requirements, technological capabilities, and administrative needs.
Lookup Criminal Records in Licking County
Sheriff's Department records and inmate information
Licking County Jail Active Inmate Listing
Licking County Sheriff's Sales and foreclosure information
Clerk Of Courts official records
Court Electronic Records access
Common Pleas Case Records Search system