Are Criminal Records in Stark County Publicly Accessible?

Yes, criminal records in Stark County are generally considered public records and are accessible to the public in accordance with Ohio's Public Records Law. Under the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43), government agencies are required to make public records available for inspection and copying, except where specific exceptions apply.

Criminal Records, which are maintained by local law enforcement agencies, the court, and government entities, typically fall under this category. However, access to certain types of criminal records may be restricted or denied due to privacy laws, court orders, or specific statutory exemptions.

Public access to criminal records in Stark County includes records of arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing information. However, records that have been sealed, expunged, or involve juveniles are generally not accessible to the public. For instance, individuals who have had their records sealed or expunged under Ohio Law are entitled to privacy, and such records are removed from public view. Similarly, records involving ongoing investigations or cases protected by court orders may also be accessible to the public.

In Stark County, access to criminal records is typically granted through official channels such as the Stark County Clerk of Courts, the Stark County Sheriff's Office, or the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Individuals can request records either in person, by mail, or online, depending on the specific agency handling the records. It is important to note that while many records are public, obtaining a certified copy of a criminal record or accessing certain restricted records require specific permission or proof of identity.

Although most criminal records in Stark County are public, some exceptions exist, governed by Ohio laws. Those exceptions are as follows.

• When a record is sealed, it is no longer accessible to the general public but remains available to certain government entities such as law enforcement agencies.
• Expunged records are permanently removed from public access and are treated as if they never existed.
• Records involving minors are generally confidential and cannot be accessed without a court order.
• Records related to ongoing Investigations are often exempt from disclosure to protect the integrity of the investigation.
• Certain may be restricted by court order due to privacy or safety concerns.

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

Access to Criminal Records in Stark County is determined by the type of requester and the nature of the request.

• Law enforcement agencies have full access to all criminal records, including sealed or expunged records, for official and investigative purposes only.
• The general public can access public criminal records such as court case files or arrest records.
• Employers can request criminal background checks for employment purposes through authorized channels.
• Attorneys may access records relevant to their cases, including some restricted records, with proper authorization.
• Individuals can access their own criminal records and request corrections if errors are found.

How to Request Criminal Records in Stark County

To obtain criminal records in Stark County:

Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Agency

• For court-related records, contact the Stark County Clerk of Courts.
• For arrest records, contact the Stark County sheriff's office or the local police department.
• For statewide Background checks, contact the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)

Step 2: Submit the Request

• For in-person requests, visit the relevant agency's office to make a request.
• By Mail, send a written request along with any required forms or fees.
• For online use, available portals like the Stark County Clerk of Courts website or third-party platforms like Ohiocourtrecords.us

Step 3: Provide Necessary Information

Include the Following details.

• Full name of the individual in question
• Date of birth or other identifying details.
• Case number.

Stark County Clerk of Courts
110 Central Plaza South, suite 601
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7801

Stark County Sheriff's Office
4500 Atlantic Blvd NE
Canton, OH 44795
Phone: (330) 430-3800

What Information Is Contained in Stark County Criminal Records?

Stark County criminal records typically include the following details.

• Full name and aliases of the individual.
• Date of birth and other identifying details like gender, age, etc.
• Arrest history, including dates and locations of arrest.
• Criminal charges and case numbers.
• Court convictions and sentencing details.
• Probation or parole status and conditions.

Redacted records include:

• Juvenile records are protected under Ohio and not available to the public.
• Sealed or expunged records are completely removed from public access.
• Sensitive personal information like social security numbers, victim information, and certain investigative details may be redacted.

Are There Restrictions on Accessing Criminal Records in Stark County?

Yes, access to criminal records is restricted in Stark County under Ohio Law. Restrictions typically apply to the following:

• Sealed records: Sealing a record is a legal process where a judge orders that the record be kept confidential, usually for individuals who have completed their sentences or have met specific conditions. When a record is awkward by court order, it is not accessible to the public.
• Expunged Records: Expungement is the legal process of removing a criminal record from the public record. Expunged records are not accessible to anyone unless specific exceptions apply, such as when the record is needed by law enforcement for future investigations.
• Juvenile records: juvenile criminal records are typically not available to the public to protect the privacy of minors involved in criminal activities.
• Criminal records related to ongoing investigations or cases are usually not available until the investigation or trial is complete. This is done to ensure the fairness of the investigation and protect the safety of witnesses and law enforcement personnel.

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

If your request is denied,

• Review the reason for the denial, as it may be due to the record being sealed or unavailable.
• File an appeal with the agency that denied the request.
• Contact the Stark County Public Records Unit for further assistance

Stark County Public Records Unit
Phone: (330) 451-7357

How to Expunge or Seal Stark County Criminal Records

To expunge or seal a criminal record in Stark County:

• Determine eligibility based on the type of crime and the type elapsed since conviction.
• File a petition with the Stark County Common Pleas Court.
• Attend a court hearing where a judge will decide on the petition.
• If approved, the record will be sealed or expunged, removing it from public view.

Only certain offenses are eligible for expungement or sealing, and legal assistance is usually required.