Clark County Arrest Records

In Clark County, Ohio, law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest individuals if they have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. Arrests may occur when an individual is caught committing an offense or if there is an outstanding warrant for the individual's arrest. Like other counties in Ohio, arrest warrants in Clark County are typically issued by a court and can stem from various criminal or civil violations.

After an arrest, the individual is typically processed, and the suspect's biometric details, the offense they are charged with, and details of the arrest are compiled into an official arrest record. This record forms the basis for further legal proceedings and may be referenced alongside other documents, such as Clark County court records, during the case's prosecution.

Each law enforcement agency within Clark County, including the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Springfield Police Department, maintains arrest records for individuals apprehended within their jurisdiction. Depending on their contents and confidentiality status, these records may be accessed by members of the public. Access to arrest records allows the public to gain insight into the nature of the arrest, such as the alleged offense and circumstances surrounding the event.

Are Arrest Records Public in Clark County?

Yes, arrest records in Clark County are generally considered public records under Ohio law. According to Ohio Revised Code 149.43, members of the public may access non-confidential records, including arrest records. However, certain records may be restricted due to confidentiality concerns. These restricted records may include

• Juvenile arrest information
• Records pertaining to an ongoing investigation
• Witness or victim information
• Medical or mental health records
• Sealed or expunged records

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

In Clark County, public arrest records typically contain the following details:

• The name, date of birth, and physical description of the arrestee
• The last known address of the arrestee
• The alleged offense or crime
• Any outstanding warrant details at the time of arrest
• Bail or bond information, including the amount and conditions for release
• The arresting agency and officer's name
• Case information, such as docket number and scheduled court hearings
• The date and conditions of release, if applicable

Clark County Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Clark County are reported annually to the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System (OIBRS), which is overseen by the Ohio Department of Criminal Justice Services. As of the most recent available data, Clark County law enforcement reported a total of 6,102 crimes in 2022. The county experienced an overall crime rate of 5,432 per 100,000 residents, which is in line with the trends seen in similarly sized counties across Ohio.

Of the reported crimes in Clark County, crimes against property made up the largest portion, with 3,104 incidents reported. Crimes against persons, such as assaults and other violent crimes, accounted for 1,765 incidents, while crimes against society, including drug-related offenses and public disorder violations, constituted 1,233 reported incidents.

Clark County Arrest Statistics

Although the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System (OIBRS) does not provide specific arrest statistics for Clark County, local residents can inquire directly with law enforcement agencies like the Clark County Sheriff's Office or the Springfield Police Department. These agencies maintain detailed records of arrests, including statistical breakdowns that may be useful for those seeking information on the number and types of arrests made within the county.

Find Clark County Arrest Records

In Clark County, arrest records are primarily maintained and disseminated by local law enforcement agencies. The Clark County Sheriff's Office provides a Current Inmates in Custody log where interested persons can search for county inmates by their first and last names. On this log, inquirers may find information about the inmate's location, arrest and booking date, charges, case status/disposition, and bail and bond information, if applicable.

Alternatively, inquirers may prepare a written request containing information about the inmate and/or arrest and send it to the Sheriff's Office at:

Clark County Sheriff's Office
120 North Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Phone: (937) 521-2050

Similarly, arrest records of individuals arrested in Clark County but transferred to state correctional facilities can be obtained through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, which operates a public Offender Search Tool. This tool allows users to search by name, inmate number, or status (incarcerated, under community supervision, or escaped). The search results may provide pertinent details, including the inmate's name, birthdate, offense details, and current institutional status.

For individuals arrested on federal charges within Clark County, inquirers may search federal detention facilities or use the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator to obtain arrest records. Users may search this database by inmate name, FBI number, or other unique identifiers. Alternatively, federal arrest records can be obtained by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the appropriate federal law enforcement agency.

Free Arrest Record Search in Clark County

Arrest records in Clark County can often be obtained for free by contacting the arresting agency, such as the Clark County Sheriff's Office or Springfield Police Department. While there may be no cost associated with viewing arrest records, certain fees may apply for obtaining copies of these records.

Alternatively, third-party public record aggregation websites offer online services for locating arrest records within Clark County and beyond. However, these services often charge fees for detailed reports.

Get Clark County Criminal Records

A Clark County criminal record provides a detailed account of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. This includes information from arrest to trial, sentencing, and incarceration. Individuals may request criminal records from several sources depending on the level of detail needed and whether the subject has been involved in state or local criminal proceedings.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office maintains local arrest and criminal records; it processes civilian background check requests. Individuals can also request fingerprint-based background checks through this office. Available fingerprinting services include:

• Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) checks.
• FBI checks.
• A combination of both for more comprehensive background searches.

Requesters will be required to present a photo ID, the name of the agency or business requiring the information, and the contact person receiving the requested report. The fees for these services are as follows:

• Ohio criminal history checks: $35 (For those who have been Ohio residents for at least 5 years)
• BCI Checks and FBI criminal history checks: $70

The County Sheriff's Office provides these services from their east district location at:

3130 East Main Street
Springfield, OH 45503

Clark County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

An arrest record typically refers to documentation related to an individual's apprehension by law enforcement, including the alleged offense and any detention following the arrest. In contrast, a criminal record provides a more comprehensive overview of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system, from arrest to final case disposition, and includes details about court proceedings, sentencing, and incarceration.

Both types of records are generally accessible to the public, although certain records, such as those involving juveniles or sealed cases, may be restricted from public access.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests in Clark County, Ohio, remain on an individual's record indefinitely unless steps are taken to remove them through the legal process of expungement or record sealing.

Expunge Clark County Arrest Records

Under Ohio law, arrests are a permanent part of a person's criminal history unless specific actions are initiated to clear them. Expungement is a legal remedy provided under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 2953.32 and ORC 2953.52). It allows individuals to petition the court to either seal or expunge their records, offering relief from the lasting effects of an arrest or conviction.

Under ORC 2953.52, an eligible to petition for expungement or sealing of their arrest record if:

• They were not convicted, or they were acquitted
• The Charges were dismissed
• The individual was granted a pardon
• The grand jury issued a no-bill decision
• They have no pending criminal charges or legal proceedings

The expungement or sealing process begins when the eligible party files a petition with the court where the case was handled. The court clerk's office in Clark County can provide the necessary forms and information on additional documentation required.

After filing the petition, the court schedules a hearing within 45 to 90 days, allowing the prosecutor to object. If no objection is filed and the court finds the petition sufficient after the hearing, it will approve the expungement or sealing.

Clark County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Clark County is a legal document issued by a court authorizing the apprehension and detention of an individual. Warrants are typically issued when a prosecuting attorney, law enforcement officer, or other affiant files an affidavit or indictment with the court detailing the alleged offense and evidence supporting the claim. If the judge or magistrate finds the evidence sufficient, they will issue an arrest warrant. The warrant will include the individual's name, last known address, charges, and possibly a set bail amount.

Clark County Arrest Warrant Search

Residents of Clark County can search for active arrest warrants by contacting the Clark County Sheriff's Office. The office maintains records of felony warrants and warrants issued by various courts within the county. Inquirers may either view the 'Most Wanted' list for this information or contact the Clark County Sheriff's Office in person or via mail.

Alternatively, the public may inquire about arrest warrants by visiting the court where the warrant was likely issued or using the case search tools provided on the Clark County Clerk of Courts website. These online portals allow users to search for case information containing active arrest warrants using the record holder's name, case number, or other relevant details.

Do Clark County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Clark County do not expire. Once issued, they remain valid indefinitely until the individual is apprehended or voluntarily surrenders to law enforcement.