Are Criminal Records in Licking County Publicly Accessible?

Yes, criminal records in Ohio are generally accessible to the public under the Ohio Public Records Act. It mandates that most public records, including criminal records, are open for inspection and copying unless exempted by law. Public access typically includes arrest records, court proceedings, and convictions. However, certain records are restricted, such as those that have been sealed or Expunged, juvenile records, and records related to ongoing investigations. Access to these restricted records typically requires a court order or legal authorization.

Records that are publicly accessible include:

• Arrest records.
• Court judgments and sentencing information.
• Criminal complaint and charges
• Records of Incarceration.

Records that may be restricted:

• Sealed records, typically for minor offenses or after a set period.
• Expunged Records, which are effectively removed from public access.
• Juvenile records protected under privacy laws.
• Records involving sensitive information such as victims of crimes.

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

Access to Criminal records in Licking County varies depending on the requesting party and the nature of the records. Some records may require special permissions or court orders, especially if they contain sensitive or protected information.

• Law enforcement agencies have unrestricted access to all criminal records for investigative purposes, while attorneys can request records relevant to their cases, although there are some restrictions on sealed or expunged records.
• Employees can also access criminal records for background checks, typically with the consent of the individual.
• Government agencies can also access criminal records as part of official duties such as licensing or security clearance.
• The general public can also access non-restricted records but cannot access sealed, expunged or juvenile records.

How to Request Criminal Records in Licking County

Here is a step-by-step guide to requesting criminal records in Licking County:

Step 1: Identify the Agency

• For court-related records, contact the Licking County Clerk of Courts.
• For arrest or jail records, contact the Licking County Sheriff's Office.
• For statewide records, use the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)

Step 2: Choose the request method.

1. For online access, visit the Licking County Records Portal and provide the individual's name and other identifying details, or use third-party platforms like Ohiocourtrecords.us.
2. For in-person search;

Visit the:

Licking County Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square, Newark, OH 43055
Phone: (740) 670-5791

Complete the request form and provide valid identification.

• By Mail:
  • Send a written request to the appropriate agency, including all required details and fees.

Step 3: Pay the applicable fees

• Fees typically range from $5-$25 per record.
• Payment methods include cash, checks, or credit cards, depending on the agency.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Online requests may be instant for public records.
• Mail or in-person requests typically take 5-10 business days.

What Information Is Contained in Licking County Criminal Records?

Licking criminal records typically includes the following details:

• Personal Information includes full name, aliases, date of birth, and physical description.
• Arrest information, including date, location, and reason for arrest.
• Charges and convictions, including specific criminal charges, case numbers, and conviction details.
• Court proceedings, including hearing dates, court rulings, and sentencing information.
• Corrections information includes parole, probation, and incarceration details.

Restricted information includes.

• Juvenile records protected under the law.
• Sealed or expunged records that are not accessible without a court order.
• Victim information which is often redacted for privacy.

Are There Restrictions on Accessing Criminal Records in Licking County?

Yes, there are restrictions on accessing certain types of criminal records in Licking County.

• Sealed records are accessible only to individuals, their attorneys, or by court order.
• Expunged Records are treated as though they never existed and are inaccessible to the public.
• Juvenile records are strictly confidential and accessible only to authorized individuals.
• Records of ongoing investigations are usually temporarily restricted to avoid compromising the investigation.

Law enforcement agencies, courts, and other authorized agencies may still access restricted records as part of their official duties.

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

If your request for criminal records in Licking County is denied, the following steps are necessary.

1. Contact the agency to determine if the denial is due to restrictions, missing information, or other issues.
2. Submit a written appeal to the agency or the Ohio Court of Claims if you believe the denial was unjustified.
3. Consult an attorney to determine if you can petition the court for access.

How to Expunge or Seal Licking County Criminal Records

Members of the public may be able to expunge or seal criminal records in Licking County by following these steps:

1. Determine eligibility since expungement is available for Certain misdemeanors and Felonies after a waiting period, provided the individual has completed their sentence and has no pending charges
2. Submit a petition for expungement or sealing with the court that handled the case.
3. Attend the hearing, where the judge will review the case and determine whether to grant the request.
4. If approved, the record will be sealed or expunged, removing it from public access.