Guernsey County Arrest Records

An arrest record is a compilation of a person's criminal history documented by law enforcement officers at the time of apprehension. The Guernsey County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them publicly available in digital and paper formats. Alongside other documents—such as Guernsey County court records—arrest records help promote public safety, support legal proceedings, and facilitate background checks.

Are Arrest Records Public in Guernsey County?

Yes. Under the Ohio Public Records Act, arrest records in Guernsey County are generally considered public. This law permits residents to inspect or obtain copies of arrest records from local law enforcement agencies. However, per OH Rev Code §149.43, not all arrest records can be accessed by the public. For instance, any record that would disclose the identity of a witness or a suspect who has not been charged is regarded as confidential. Additionally, records pertaining to probation and parole proceedings, ongoing investigations, and juvenile matters are restricted.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Most law enforcement agencies in Guernsey County have online databases where they publish their public arrest records. These records typically contain the following information:

• Inmate's mugshot, full name, race, and date of birth
• The offender's age, gender, weight, height, and hair and eye color
• Booking ID and date, offense, bond amount, court, and next court date
• Scheduled release date, sentence, and conviction type
• Arresting agency, assigned facility, and custody status

Guernsey County Arrest Statistics

In 2018, the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division housed approximately 2,523 inmates—1,812 men and 711 women. On average, the facility had 104 inmates per day, consisting of around 36% misdemeanor offenders and 64% felony offenders.

Find Guernsey County Arrest Records

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction (ODRC) manages 24 facilities housing felony offenders serving at least six-month prison terms. Record seekers can visit these facilities during business hours to obtain copies of arrest records. Alternatively, individuals can use the ODRC's Offender Search portal to view arrest records of Guernsey County offenders for free. Search parameters include:

• Name
• County of commitment
• Residential county or ZIP
• Next parole board hearing date
• Offender number

Inquirers may also find Guernsey County arrest records online, by mail, through third-party vendors, and in person at federal law enforcement agencies. Some agencies, like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), only issue arrest records to record holders. However, other agencies like the United States Capitol Police (USCP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) make their records available to members of the public. Most agencies that issue arrest records to the public have online databases where individuals can view offenders' arrest information for free. For example, the ICE has an Online Detainee Locator System where individuals can search arrest records using an A-Number or biographical information.

Free Arrest Record Search in Guernsey County

Individuals can conduct free arrest record searches on the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office's website. Go to the "INMATE INFO" menu at the top bar and select Inmate List from dropdown. Enter a first name, last name, or age in the search box or choose status, race, or gender to locate a record. Users can also select the current or historic inmate button to find arrest records for free.

Record seekers can also use third-party websites to conduct free arrest record searches. However, such searches will return limited information that the requester might find insufficient. Users who want comprehensive arrest records will be required pay a small fee for the service.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Most arrests remain on record forever, even after the offender's death. However, Ohio law allows arrested persons to restrict public access to their records through expungement. The Ohio History Connection outlines the state's Records Retention Schedules, which determine the period for which law enforcement agencies can keep some arrest records in their database. For example, expunged or sealed records of dismissals and convictions are kept for 110 years or seven years after death, while court and law enforcement compliance files are retained for two (2) years.

Expunge Guernsey County Arrest Records

OH Rev Code §2953.31 defines expungement as the permanent destruction, deletion, and erasure of arrest records. The eligibility criteria for expunging arrest records are outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2953. Anyone who meets the criteria should follow the steps below to have their records expunged:

• STEP 1: Applicants should contact the Criminal Section of the Guernsey County Clerk of Courts to request a certified copy of the Judgment Order of Conviction(s).
• STEP 2: Applicants must complete the Application to Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record and prepare a filing fee of $100. Individuals who cannot pay the filing fee can complete the "Affidavit of Indigency" to request a fee waiver.
• STEP 3: Attach the "Judgment Order of Conviction" to the completed "Application for Sealing of a Criminal Record" and make two copies of them. File the original copy and the two photocopies with the Clerk. The Clerk will stamp all the copies and return one to the applicant.
• STEP 4: The Clerk will set a hearing date and notify the Guernsey County Prosecutor. The Prosecutor will be allowed to object to the applicant's expungement request.
• STEP 5: If the request is granted, the judge assigned to the case will sign the expungement order. The Clerk will mail a copy of the order to the applicant and all agencies in the custody of the applicant's arrest records.

Guernsey County Arrest Warrants

According to Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4, judicial officers will issue arrest warrants to law enforcement officers when it appears from complaints or affidavits that there is probable cause that defendants have committed crimes. They can issue multiple warrants on one complaint. An arrest warrant issued in Guernsey County will contain the following information:

• The defendant's name or any name or description that would help in the identification of the defendant.
• A description of the offense charged in the complaint
• A command that the defendant be arrested and brought before the issuing judge without delay

The issuing judicial officer will attach a copy of the complaint to the arrest warrant. A law enforcement officer can execute an arrest warrant anywhere in Ohio. After execution, the officer must return the arrest warrant to the issuing court.

Do Guernsey County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants do not expire in Guernsey County. They remain valid until the defendant is arrested or a judge recalls them. However, a judge can cancel a returned unexecuted arrest warrant at the request of a prosecuting attorney.