Ohio Criminal Records

How do I look up someone’s criminal record in Ohio?

Ohio has a WebCheck system that allows people to get a full background check. This is through the Bureau of Crime Identification & Investigation. It costs $22 to start a criminal search through this method, and a set of fingerprints is required as well. To check criminal records in-person, one can visit the Sheriff’s Office or a local court. Finally, there are third-party websites that have accurate criminal history databases to search for a criminal record, such as this website. A search can be initiated by filling out the search box.

Are criminal records public in Ohio?

In Ohio, all criminal records are public information digitally. Any citizen of the United States can request an Ohio criminal record, regardless of where they live. It can be important to know what is on a criminal record because employers will check it, and having a criminal record severely reduces the chances of getting hired. Additionally, having a criminal record can make it more difficult when applying for loans or trying to get a house.

What is a misdemeanor in Ohio?

Misdemeanors are put into different types of degrees decided by severity in Ohio. A misdemeanor could be a traffic violation or a criminal offense. There are 1-4 degrees of misdemeanors, and a minor misdemeanor. First-degree misdemeanors have a max of six months in jail and a maximum $1000 fine. Second-degree misdemeanors have a maximum of 90 days in jail and a $750 fine maximum. Third-degree misdemeanors have a 60-day maximum and a maximum of $500. Fourth-degree misdemeanors have a 30-day, $250 maximum. Finally, minor misdemeanors have no jail time and a maximum of a $150 fine. Here are some examples of misdemeanors:

Vandalism

Assault

Driving Under the Influence

Petty Theft

Speeding

Not stopping at a stop sign

What crimes are felonies in Ohio?

There are five different degrees of felonies in the state of Ohio, with 1st-degree felonies being the most severe. There are a couple of crimes called unclassified felonies that are so severe that they have their own sentencing rules. Fifth-degree felonies, the least severe, have 6-12 months in prison and a max $2500 fine. Fourth-degree felonies include 6-18 months in prison and a maximum of a $5000 fine. Third-degree felonies include 9-36 months in prison and a maximum of $10,000 in fines. Second–degree felonies have a sentence of 2-8 years in prison and a maximum of $15,000 in fines. First-degree felonies result in 3-11 years in prison and a maximum of $20,000 in fines. Finally, the worst type of felony is an unclassified felony. Depending on the crime, there may be a life sentence and large fines. Aggravated murder has a 20-year prison sentence and $25,000 in fines as an example. Here are some examples of felonies:

Breaking and Entering a home (Fifth degree)

Theft of a Vehicle (Fourth degree)

Grand Theft (Third degree)

Gang Activity (Second Degree)

Rape (First degree)

Aggravated Murder (Unclassified)

How do I get my record expunged in Ohio?

For people over the age of 18, convictions are unable to be expunged in Ohio. Ohio has a different process called sealing. Sealing a record allows one to not have to show a conviction or arrest when applying for most jobs. However, applying for a job that involves the elderly, children, or disabled people will require a sealed record. In addition to this, any connection between the sealed offense and the job type will require disclosure of the offense. All sealed records are kept by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. A certain amount of time must be passed to apply for sealing a record, depending on the severity of the crime. Misdemeanors require one year, and felonies require 3 years. A fee of $50 has to be sent to the Criminal Clerk’s office. It is highly recommended to hire a lawyer throughout this process as a small mistake in this process can ruin your chances of sealing a criminal record.

How do I find an inmate in Ohio?

To find an inmate in Ohio, there is an Offender Search Tool through the DRC website that allows someone to find the location and record of an inmate. The record of an inmate usually contains basic information about the inmate, mugshots, physical description, and the details of their arrest and their sentence. Additionally, visiting the prison or jail that one is held in will provide inmate records, as they are public information.

How do I get off the sex offender registry in Ohio?

Unfortunately, the only way to get off the registry is to wait for the registration period to be over or be found not guilty in the first place. Tier 1 requires annual registration for 10-15 years. Tier 2 has a 25-year registration every 180 days, and Tier 3 requires a lifetime registration every 90 days. It is strongly recommended to get a lawyer if charged with a sex offense, as being a registered sex offender causes much humiliation and restriction.

How far does a background check go in Ohio?

In Ohio, there is no limit to how far back a background check will go. The only way to get a misdemeanor or felony off your record is by sealing it. Misdemeanors can be sealed after one year and felonies for 3 years. However, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission provides guidelines that state that employers should not use any arrest charges that did not result in a conviction on an initial job application.

What are arrest records in Ohio?

Arrest records in Ohio contain information about suspects, the people who were arrested, and the detainment of a suspect. They are not part of a criminal record unless the suspect is convicted of a crime. It is possible to be arrested when committing a misdemeanor, however, arrests are most commonly done when felonies are committed. Arrest records contain information such as the issuer of the arrest warrant, the location and time of the arrest, personal information about the suspect, and identification of the officer who gave the arrest. Arrest records can be found at the jail where the arrestee was held, the Sheriff’s Office, or through a third party database.