Delaware County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Delaware County in 2026
DelawareOHRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Delaware County, Ohio. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, bond amounts, and court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, mugshots, criminal case filings, and inmate lookup tools. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Delaware County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail roster and inmate lookup tool. Members of the public may search by name to retrieve booking date, scheduled release date, total bond amount, and booking number. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status at the Delaware County Jail.
2. Local Police Departments
The Delaware Police Department serves the City of Delaware and publishes arrest-related press releases through its official communications channels. Members of the public may contact the department directly to inquire about arrest logs or incident reports involving city jurisdiction arrests.
Delaware Police Department
70 N. Union St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 203-1111
Delaware Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Delaware County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case records that are linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search by defendant name through the Delaware County Clerk of Courts online case search portal to identify court cases associated with a specific arrest.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a civilian background check, which includes arrest and conviction history from all Ohio jurisdictions. A fee of $22.00 currently applies to civilian background check requests submitted to BCI.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
850 Sunbury Rd.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2800
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fees section below.
Clerk of Court:
91 N. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office at 850 Sunbury Rd., Delaware, OH 43015. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.
By Phone:
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (740) 833-2800 during regular business hours. Staff may provide limited information by phone, including custody status and bond amounts. Requesters should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record requests are referred to the online system or in-person visit.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Delaware Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Delaware County
Arrest records in Delaware County are public records under Ohio law. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public records maintained by government agencies are available for inspection and copying by any member of the public upon request. Arrest records fall within this definition, as they are created and maintained by law enforcement agencies in the course of their official duties. The public access policy reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability in law enforcement.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Ohio law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are protected
- Confidential informant information is not disclosed
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 16 provides due process protections that inform the balance between public transparency and individual privacy rights. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information. Courts have consistently held that the public interest in knowing who has been arrested and on what charges outweighs the privacy interest of the arrested individual in most circumstances.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Ohio does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Delaware County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Ohio Revised Code statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected but are not typically included in public records
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Delaware County?
Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public agencies may charge for the actual cost of providing copies of public records. Fees may not exceed the actual cost of duplication. The following fee structure currently applies to records requests in Delaware County.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.05–$0.10 per page (actual cost) |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee |
| Electronic records (where available) | No charge in many cases |
| BCI civilian background check | $22.00 per request |
| Sheriff's Office records search | No search fee; copy fees apply |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order payable to the applicable agency (by mail)
- Credit or debit card (where available at the agency)
Fee Waivers:
Ohio law does not mandate fee waivers for public records requests; however, agencies may waive fees at their discretion. Members of the public who believe a fee is excessive may file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims Victim Services or seek a court order compelling disclosure.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online inspection of the Sheriff's jail roster and inmate lookup
- Online case search through the Clerk of Courts portal
- In-person inspection of public records (no copy fee for inspection only)
How To Delete Arrest Records in Delaware County
Ohio law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the destruction of the record, while sealing restricts access but does not destroy the underlying record. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records.
Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, eligible individuals may petition the court to seal their arrest records. Eligibility depends on the outcome of the case, the nature of the offense, and the waiting period following the final disposition.
- Arrests that did not result in conviction (charges dismissed, acquittal, or no charges filed) are eligible for sealing upon application
- First-time offenders convicted of certain misdemeanors may apply after one year from the final discharge date
- First-time offenders convicted of certain felonies may apply after three years from the final discharge date
- Certain offenses, including most violent felonies, sex offenses, and offenses involving victims under age 18, are not eligible for sealing or expungement
Steps to Petition for Sealing or Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case number from the Delaware County Clerk of Courts
- Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and waiting period under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
- Complete the Application to Seal Record of Conviction or Bail Forfeiture, available from the Clerk of Courts
- File the application with the Delaware County Common Pleas Court and pay the applicable filing fee
- Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will consider the application and any objections from the prosecutor's office
- If granted, the court issues a sealing order, and the record is restricted from public access
Delaware County Common Pleas Court
91 N. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Delaware County Common Pleas Court
Delaware County Public Defender's Office
91 N. Sandusky St., Suite 1100
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2560
Delaware County Public Defender
Members of the public who cannot afford an attorney may contact the Public Defender's Office to inquire about assistance with the sealing or expungement process. The Ohio Legal Help website also provides self-help resources for individuals navigating the sealing process without legal representation.
What Happens After Arrest in Delaware County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Delaware County, the arrested individual is transported to the Delaware County Jail for booking.
Delaware County Jail
850 Sunbury Rd.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2800
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Delaware County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on volume. Steps include:
- Personal information recorded
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Ohio BCI and FBI databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Medical and brief mental health screening conducted
- Housing classification assigned
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Ohio law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 24 to 72 hours of arrest in most circumstances. At the initial appearance:
- Formal notification of charges is provided
- Bond or bail is determined
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Rights are formally advised
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The defendant is held without the possibility of release on bond. Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives a court date, written conditions of release, and has personal property returned. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Delaware County Public Defender's Office
91 N. Sandusky St., Suite 1100
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2560
Delaware County Public Defender
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Delaware County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
Delaware County Prosecutor's Office
140 N. Sandusky St., 3rd Floor
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2690
Delaware County Prosecutor
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
- Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
- Pretrial conferences: Meetings between attorneys and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness
- Plea negotiations: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
- Trial: A jury trial or bench trial is conducted; the verdict is guilty or not guilty
Sentencing (if convicted):
The court may impose a sentence including incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Typically resolved within 90 days to six months
- Felonies: Typically resolved within six months to one year or longer
- Ohio's speedy trial statute requires misdemeanor trials within 90 days and felony trials within 270 days of arrest
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Delaware County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Delaware County is governed by Ohio law and the policies of the applicable agency. The Ohio Records Commission establishes retention schedules for public records maintained by county agencies. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency maintaining the record.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Ohio BCI, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the subject's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years by local law enforcement
- Court records are retained permanently in most cases
- Ohio BCI retains misdemeanor conviction records in the state repository
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records are often retained permanently unless sealed
- Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains a sealing order
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of three years
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Eligible for sealing upon application
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are typically retained for three years
- Eligible for sealing or expungement upon application
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Minimum three to five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently in most cases
- Photographs: Retained for the duration of the booking record
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Often retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement. These entities are subject to FCRA accuracy requirements but may not update records promptly following expungement or sealing. Members of the public who have obtained a sealing order may contact third-party websites directly to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
850 Sunbury Rd.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2800
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years; arrest reports for a minimum of five years; investigative files vary by case outcome and severity.
Clerk of Court:
91 N. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Electronic records are retained permanently in most cases.
State Repository:
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all Ohio jurisdictions. Retention is permanent for conviction records and subject to update upon receipt of a court sealing order.
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently. These databases are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance or firearms purchases.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless a sealing order is obtained; often not reported on standard employment background checks
- Expungement/Sealing: Local records are sealed or destroyed; Ohio BCI updates its repository; FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three years; eligible for immediate sealing in many cases
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually. Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of salary threshold. Ohio does not currently impose a statewide limit on reporting conviction records. Arrests without conviction are subject to accuracy requirements and may not be reported if the record has been sealed.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Delaware County Sheriff's Records Division at (740) 833-2800 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A public records request may be required, and applicable copy fees may apply.