Wood County Arrest Records

In Wood County, Ohio, arrest records are documents containing information regarding the apprehension and detention of an individual within county limits. These records are typically generated after an individual is arrested and booked and include details of their alleged offense, the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and the arrestee's biodata. Following an arrest, the suspect may be released pending trial after their bail or bond hearings if they meet the necessary release conditions. However, in more severe cases, the court may order suspects to remain in custody until their case is resolved. Those looking to locate individuals who have been arrested, learn about the conditions for their release, or obtain further details about an arrest can access Wood County's arrest records.

While arrest records are primarily held by law enforcement agencies conducting the arrest, some details may also be found within the Wood County court records and referenced during judicial proceedings.

Are Arrest Records Public in Wood County?

Yes. Per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 149.43, most Wood County arrest records are public and accessible to interested members of the public. According to the statute, public offices are mandated to make their records available for public inspection unless otherwise determined by law or judicial order. Arrest records, police reports, and other law enforcement documents fall under this provision. However, Ohio law exempts certain sensitive or confidential information from public disclosure. This includes:

• Personal identification information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial records.
• Records pertaining to an ongoing investigation
• Juvenile arrest records and criminal cases involving minors.
• Records that would identify victims, informants, or witnesses
• Expunged or sealed criminal records.
• Medical records and confidential health information.
• Information whose disclosure might threaten national security

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Wood County public arrest records typically contain the following details:

• The full name, date of birth, photograph, and physical description of the arrestee.
• The date, time, and location of the arrest.
• The law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
• The alleged criminal offense or reason for arrest.
• The booking date and identification number.
• Bond or bail information, including the type and amount.
• Court appearance dates and case numbers, if applicable.

Find Wood County Arrest Records

The Wood County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within county limits are responsible for making arrests and maintaining arrest records. These agencies keep detailed records of arrests within the county, which are available to the public both online and in person.

Individuals seeking information about recent arrests and bookings in Wood County can use the Wood County Jail Inmate Search tool. This resource provides a real-time list of inmates currently held in custody, with details such as the detainee's name, date of birth, booking number, booking date, charges, bond information, and next court date, if applicable.

Those requiring specific information not available online can submit a public records request to the Wood County Sheriff's Office. This process can be completed by submitting a Public Records Request Form either by email or in person at the following address:

Wood County Sheriff's Office
1960 East Gypsy Lane Road
Bowling Green, OH 43402

In addition to the Sheriff's Office, local police departments within Wood County, such as those in Bowling Green and Perrysburg, maintain records of arrests made within their respective jurisdictions. Arrest records can typically be requested in person or over the phone by contacting the specific police department. For instance, individuals can call the Bowling Green Police Division at (419) 352-2571 during regular business hours to inquire about arrest records.

If an individual was arrested for more serious offenses, such as felonies, their records might also be available through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The department maintains an Offender Search database that allows the public to locate individuals incarcerated in state prisons. This tool provides information such as the inmate's admission date, offense, sentencing details, expected release date, and custody status.

Records can be obtained from federal agencies like the FBI or U.S. Marshals Service for federal arrests. Each federal agency may have its procedure for accessing arrest records. For example, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provides an Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) for locating individuals in ICE custody.

Free Arrest Record Search in Wood County

The Wood County Jail Inmate Search Tool and the Arrest and Offense Reports provided by the Sheriff's Office are accessible for free. Additionally, local police departments may offer free arrest record searches for public inquiries, provided that the information requested is not exempt under Ohio's public records laws.

In some cases, third-party websites may offer free or low-cost arrest record searches. These sites can provide limited information about arrests within Wood County and records from other jurisdictions. However, most sites restrict extensive information to paying users, and free users will only receive basic information following a search.

Get Wood County Criminal Records

Criminal records are documents containing detailed information about an individual's history with the criminal justice system, including trial outcomes and sentencing. In Wood County, these records can be obtained by requesting a local background check from the county sheriff's office, doing a state-wide search through the Ohio BCI, or a Nationwide Search through the FBI.

To obtain Wood County criminal records locally, inquirers may visit the county jail from Monday through Friday (8:30 am to 4:30 am) and request a background check. It is worth noting, however, that this type of search will only produce information regarding criminal activity within county limits. Inquirers may expedite their searches by downloading and completing a Records Check Form before their visit. Requests are made at:

1960 East Gypsy Lane Road
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone: (419) 354-7744
Fax: (419) 354-9139

To obtain statewide criminal records, inquirers may utilize the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation background check service. It is worth noting, however, that the BCI processes finger-print-based criminal record searches, and the information contained in these checks is accessible to authorized persons such as law enforcement, employers, and persons seeking access to their own records. Additionally, the BCI provides this service through a third-party partner: WebCheck.

Authorized persons may initiate the background check process by locating the WebCheck location closest to them. Requesters can expect to pay $30 for a BCI state check or $56.25 for a combined BCI and FBI check.

Wood County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records document an individual's detention by law enforcement and include basic information about the incident, but they do not provide information about whether the person was convicted. Criminal records, on the other hand, contain comprehensive information about a person's criminal history, including arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentencing.

While local law enforcement agencies primarily manage arrest records, courts, and correctional facilities are the custodians of criminal records.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Wood County, arrest records remain part of the public record indefinitely unless a court issues an order to have them sealed or expunged.

Expunge Wood County Arrest Records

Not all arrests are eligible for expungement or sealing under Ohio law. Interested individuals must are required to meet the following conditions to qualify for expungement per ORC Section 2953.32:

• Their arrest did not lead to charges.
• They were discharged or acquitted.
• The grand jury failed to indict them.
• They received a pardon from the governor.
• Their offense(s) is not a violent felony or an ineligible sex offense per ORC Section 2953.36.
• They were not charged with violations of driver's license laws (ORC 4507), commercial driver's licensing regulations (ORC 4506), or driving under the influence (ORC 4511)

Once eligibility is determined, individuals must file a motion to seal or expunge with the appropriate court. In Wood County, this would be the specific court where the case is to be sealed or expunged. Since the processes and application forms differ with the court concerned, inquirers may contact the Wood County Clerk of Courts to obtain details of the requirements for the appropriate court. Petitioners may be charged a filing fee of $50, but eligible requesters may petition the court to waive this fee by submitting a poverty affidavit or an "affidavit of indigence".

After filing, the court typically notifies the prosecutor, providing between 45 to 90 days to respond to the request. The prosecutor may then object to the petition within 30 days of receiving the notice. A hearing may then be scheduled if there are no objections or the court finds the petitioner meets all legal requirements. During this hearing, the court determines whether to grant the motion to expunge or seal the records.

Wood County Arrest Warrants

In Wood County, arrest warrants are legal documents issued by judges or magistrates that authorize law enforcement to apprehend individuals accused of crimes. These warrants are typically issued after law enforcement submits a formal complaint against a named individual or if a defendant fails to meet court obligations, such as missing a scheduled appearance.

Arrest warrants generally include the following information:

• The defendant's legal name and any aliases.
• A physical description or other identifying information if the individual's name is unknown.
• The alleged offense(s) and the corresponding statutory code under Ohio law.
• Information on whether the individual will be held in custody or released on bond once arrested.

Wood County Arrest Warrant Search

Members of the public can search for arrest warrants in Wood County by contacting the Wood County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. The Sheriff's Office website has a dedicated Wanted Persons page with which inquirers can confirm persons for whom there are active warrants. Inquirers may search the page by name, and each listing will include the name of the individual for whom there is a warrant, the type of warrant issued, their charge, bond amount, and the arresting agency.

For those unsure if an arrest warrant has been issued for them or someone they know, an inquiry can be made with the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the alleged crime occurred.

Do Wood County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Wood County do not expire. Once issued, law enforcement is authorized to pursue and arrest the individual named on the warrant, regardless of how much time has passed. However, a judge may recall or quash a warrant in certain circumstances, such as if the individual fulfills their legal obligations or new evidence exonerates them.