Are Criminal Records in Clermont County Publicly Accessible?

Yes, criminal records in Clermont County, Ohio, are generally publicly accessible per the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code section 149.43). The Act ensures that government records are valuable to the public unless specifically exempted by law. Exceptions include records that are sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted, such as juvenile records or records protected by privacy law.

Public access includes records of arrests, convictions, and court dispositions, while sealed or expunged records are accessible only to authorized parties, such as law enforcement or the individual whose name is on the record. Individuals requesting criminal records must follow the legal process outlined by the county or state authorities.

Who is Eligible to Access Clermont County Criminal Records in Ohio?

Generally, the following groups are authorized to access county criminal records.

• Authorized individuals, including parties with a court order or other legal authorization, can access restricted records.
• Attorneys can request records for their clients, including restricted records, with court permission.
• Law enforcement agencies have full access to criminal records, including ongoing investigations, which can only be used for official purposes.
• Employers can also access records for background checks with the concerned Individual's consent, although sealed and expunged records cannot be released to them.
• Finally, the general public can access most criminal records without consent unless such records are restricted.

How to Request Criminal Records in Clermont County

1. Identify the Appropriate Agency. Submit requests to agencies like the Clermont County Clerk of Courts, local law enforcement, or the Ohio Bureau of Investigation (BCI).
2. Choose a request method which may be online, in person or mail. For an in-person method, visit the county clerk's office. For the online method, visit the Clermont county clerk's website. You can as well send a written request via mail to the clerk's office.
3. Records may also be obtained from third-party platforms such as Ohiocourtrecords.us. However, the accuracy of records on such platforms cannot be guaranteed.
4. Prepare the necessary documents, including completed request forms, a valid photo ID, and any required fees (you are to check the specific agency's fee schedule for this)
5. Submit your Request to:
   Clermont County Clerk of Courts
   270 E Main Street,
   Batavia, OH 45103
   Phone: (513) 732-7243
   You can also submit state-level records to:
   Ohio Bureau of Investigation
   1560 State Route 56 SW,
   London, OH 43140
   Phone: (740) 845-2000
6. Following submission, you then wait for processing.

Note: Timelines vary but typically range from a few days to several weeks.

What Information Is Contained in Clermont County Criminal Records?

Criminal records in Clermont County detail an individual's interaction with law enforcement agencies. Criminal records in Clermont County include the following:

• Full name, date of birth, and identifying details such as physical description description.
• Arrest history and criminal charges.
• Court case numbers, convictions, sentencing details, and probation/parole status
• Additional data such as court dates or case dispositions.

Juvenile records, expunged convictions, and ongoing investigations are typically redacted or unavailable in Clermont County Criminal Records.

Are There Restrictions on Accessing Criminal Records in Clermont County?

Yes, some criminal records are restricted, including:

• Sealed or expunged records are only accessible to authorized parties such as law enforcement and the subject of the record.
• Juvenile records are also protected under Ohio Law and generally unavailable to the public.
• Ongoing Investigations are restricted to ensure privacy and protect legal proceedings.

The legal basis for restrictions includes privacy laws, public safety concerns, and court orders.

What Happens if My Request for Criminal Records is Denied in Clermont County?

If your request is denied:

• You need to confirm the reason for the denial which may be as a result of sealed or non-existent records.
• File an appeal with the denying agency or seek clarification.
• Contact the Clermont County Clerk of Courts or the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for further assistance.

Clermont County Clerk of Courts
Phone: (513) 732-7243

How to Expunge or Seal Clermont County Criminal Records

To expunge or seal records:

• Check for eligibility as only offenses such as non-violent misdemeanors or felonies qualify. You must meet relevant criteria, such as time elapsed since conviction or completion of probation.
• File a petition with the Clermont County Court where the conviction occurred.
• Attend a hearing and provide evidence of rehabilitation or legal compliance.
• The court will notify you of approval or denial. However, you can consult an attorney for guidance if needed.