Knox County Arrest Records

Arrests in Knox County, Ohio, happen when law enforcement has reason to believe that an individual has committed a crime or the court has issued an arrest warrant (Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2935.04). Arrests may also be made in cases where public safety is at risk. After an arrest, individuals are typically held at the county jail pending court appearance or released.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office and other county law enforcement departments are generally responsible for generating arrest records. These documents show details about the arrest, the charges, and the booking process. Arrest records are connected to other public records, such as court records and criminal history files, and may be accessed through government offices. For example, arrest information may be accessible in Knox County court records and other criminal justice system databases.

Are Arrest Records Public in Knox County?

Yes. Knox County arrest records are publically accessible under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 149.43, which establishes the public's right to access government records. This includes documents related to an individual's arrest. Public arrest records like Knox County's reveal primary information such as the arrestee's name, the date and time of the arrest, the charges, and the agency responsible for the arrest.

However, certain parts of arrest records may be exempt from public disclosure per (ORC) 149.43:

• Medical records
• Confidential law enforcement investigatory records
• Trial preparation records
• Probation and parole records
• Records on community control and post-release sanctions
• Adoption records
• Putative father registry records
• Juvenile records
• DNA database records
• Inmate records from the Department of Rehabilitation
• Intellectual property records
• Donor profiles
• Personal information of public service workers
• Proprietary business information
• Trade secrets
• Records prohibited by law.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public information revealed in a Knox County arrest record generally shows the following details:

• Arrestee's full name
• Date of birth
• Arrest date
• Offense(s) charged
• Arresting agency
• Location of arrest
• Booking details (including the facility where the person is held)
• Mugshot(s)
• Bail or bond information, if applicable.

Knox County Arrest Statistics

Knox County law enforcement agencies reported a total of 44 arrests within the last year, according to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). "All Other Offenses" accounted for the most significant portion, with 14 arrests (32%). Disorderly conduct followed closely with nine arrests (20%), and driving under the influence (DUI) represented 10 arrests (23%). Simple assault made up six arrests (14%), while larceny accounted for four arrests (9%). Additionally, there was one arrest (2%) for a liquor law violation.

Find Knox County Arrest Records

Most arrests in Knox County are made by either the Mount Vernon Police Department or the Knox County Sheriff's Office. To find an arrest record, interested parties can start by contacting the records division of the arresting agency. For example, if the County Sheriff's Office made the arrest, requesters can contact the office's Records Clerk at (740) 399-3904 or email requesting sought records. Payment can be via check or money order. Postage fees may apply, and cash is not accepted. For requests with the Mount Vernon Police Department, check the records request page.

Individuals should contact the arresting agency if the arrestee were jailed before a court appearance. The Sheriff's Office posts an updated jail inmate list for post-arraignment sentences on its website. To access the list, follow these steps:

• Go to the County Sheriff's section on the county website
• Scroll down to "Jail Inmate List"
• Click to view the PDF file.

Free Arrest Record Search in Knox County

Arrest records in Knox County, up to 19 pages, can be obtained free from the Records Clerk at the County Sheriff's Office. However, additional fees apply if the request exceeds this limit.

The County Sheriff's website also offers a free "Jail Inmate List". This list provides basic information like mugshots, names, initial arrest dates, hold reasons, and charges. To view it, interested parties should navigate to the Sheriff's section on the county website, scroll to "Jail Inmate List," and click on it to access the PDF file.

Also, some third-party websites offer free access to county arrest records. These sites aggregate public records from various jurisdictions, sometimes offering more detailed information than local resources. However, while the initial search may be free, full reports often require a fee or subscription.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Indefinitely. Knox County arrests typically remain on a person's record indefinitely unless expunged or sealed. However, Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 allows individuals to have their records sealed if specific eligibility criteria, such as being a first-time offender or having completed the required waiting period—generally one to three years after case adjudication or dismissal.

Expunge Knox County Arrest Records

Per ORC Section 2953.31, expungement of arrest records means destroying, deleting, and erasing arrest files—whether physical or electronic—so that they become permanently inaccessible and cannot be recovered.

Under ORC Section 2953.33, the following can petition for arrest records expungement with the court that handled the case:

• Individuals found not guilty
• Individuals whose cases were dismissed
• Individuals who received a grand jury no bill
• Individuals who received a pardon.

Petitioners can start by petitioning the court of jurisdiction, which sets a hearing between 45 and 90 days from the filing date. The prosecutor may object, and the court also balances the individual's interest against any legitimate governmental need to maintain records. If the court determines the individual qualifies for sealing or expungement, it issues an order to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to expunge the associated records.

However, not all of the above are eligible. Cases that involve offenses such as felonies of violence, certain traffic violations, sexually oriented offenses, and crimes involving victims under 13 are excluded from expungement (ORC Section 2953.33(C)). For individuals with a conviction record, ORC Section 2953.32 allows record sealing or expungement if they do not fall under any of the following instances:

• Traffic Offenses
• Felonies of Violence
• Sexually Oriented Offenses
• Offenses against victims Under 13
• Serious Felonies
• Domestic Violence Offenses
• Third-Degree Felonies with Multiple Convictions.

Eligible offenders can apply to the sentencing court for sealing or expungement. The timing of the application depends on the offense:

• For third-degree felonies, an application may be filed after three years from final discharge.
• For fourth or fifth-degree felonies and misdemeanors, after one year.
• For minor misdemeanors, after six months.
• For certain offenses like soliciting improper compensation, after seven years.

A hearing date is set upon filing, and the prosecutor is notified. The court will:

• Verify eligibility, ensuring the offense is not prohibited under Section 2953.32(A).
• Check for pending criminal proceedings.
• Determine the applicant's rehabilitation.
• Consider objections from prosecutors and victims.

If the court finds the applicant meets all conditions, it will order the record sealed or expunged.

Knox County Arrest Warrants

Knox County arrest warrants are official legal documents issued by a court that authorizes law enforcement to apprehend individuals suspected of being involved in a crime. These warrants are typically issued when there is probable cause, meaning there is sufficient evidence or reason to believe that a crime has taken place and that the individual in question is likely responsible for committing the offense.

Arrest warrants can also be necessary when individuals fail to appear in court as scheduled, violate the terms of their probation, or are accused of serious crimes such as felonies or violent offenses. In these instances, the warrant is critical for ensuring that individuals are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions. According to the Ohio Revised Code § 2935.10, this legal process ensures that the rights of the individual and the interests of public safety are upheld throughout the procedure.

Per ORC § 2935.10, warrants are issued by judges or magistrates after reviewing affidavits or sworn statements from law enforcement officers. The warrant specifies details, including the person's name (or sufficient description if unknown), the offense committed, and the location or jurisdiction where the arrest is authorized.

ORC § 2935.12 permits officers to arrest the individual named in the warrant at any time, but they should announce their authority before entering a residence unless exigent circumstances exist.

Do Knox County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Knox County arrest warrants do not expire. Once issued, these warrants remain valid until the individual is apprehended or the court dismisses them. The passage of time does not affect their status. Even if the individual relocates or circumstances change, the warrant remains enforceable. Arrest warrants remain active unless officially quashed or withdrawn by the issuing court. Law enforcement retains the authority to execute the warrant at any time, ensuring it is still in effect until the court takes specific action to cancel it.