Delaware County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Delaware County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Delaware County, Ohio may access publicly available information through official government channels, court systems, and third-party aggregators such as DelawareOHRecords.us. Criminal record data maintained by county and state agencies may include, but is not limited to, the following categories:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Court case filings, dispositions, and sentencing records
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction histories
- Active warrants and protective orders
- Sex offender registration status
- Jail and inmate records
Records obtained through unofficial sources may not reflect the most current case status and are not substitutes for certified background checks issued by authorized agencies. The methods below describe how members of the public may access criminal records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
1. County Court Records
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas serves as the primary repository for felony and serious misdemeanor case records within the county. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain record requests. Public access terminals are available on-site for case lookups at no charge.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas – Clerk of Courts
91 N. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
2. Sheriff's Office
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate information. Members of the public may submit public records requests in writing or in person. Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which governs public records access statewide.
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
10 N. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2800
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search
The Supreme Court of Ohio maintains the Ohio Courts Network, which provides statewide case information. Members of the public may search by full name, case number, or date of birth. The portal reflects case filings, hearing dates, and dispositions for cases processed through participating courts. Note that not all historical records are available digitally, and sealed or expunged records do not appear in online search results.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) serves as the state's central repository for criminal history records. Formal background check requests require fingerprint submission and are processed through the BCI Identification Division. As stated by the Ohio Attorney General's office, "The Identification Division serves as Ohio's central repository for criminal records, including biometric information such as fingerprints, palm prints and mugshots." Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request and the requesting party.
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation – Identification Division
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
Phone: (740) 845-2000
BCI Identification Division
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for criminal records to the Delaware County Clerk of Courts or the Delaware County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public offices are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable period of time. Mailing address for written requests:
Delaware County Clerk of Courts – Records Division
91 N. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
What Is Delaware County Criminal Records
A criminal record in Delaware County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. Under Ohio law, criminal records encompass a broad range of documentation generated at each stage of the criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition.
The distinction between record types is significant for access and legal purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a finding of conviction. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt entered by a court.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony records involve offenses classified under Ohio law as first through fifth degree felonies and carry more severe penalties. Misdemeanor records involve lesser offenses classified as first through fourth degree misdemeanors or minor misdemeanors.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under Ohio's open records law. Juvenile records are confidential under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358 and are sealed upon the juvenile's completion of the court's jurisdiction.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding court orders for arrest and are maintained in law enforcement databases. Historical records document past arrests, charges, and dispositions.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Delaware County include the Delaware County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas (court case files and dispositions), the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (statewide criminal history), and local municipal police departments. Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as cases progress through arraignment, plea proceedings, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or supervision. A complete criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment dates, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, fines, restitution orders, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Delaware County
Criminal records in Delaware County are public records under Ohio law. Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, known as the Ohio Public Records Act, establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by public offices. The statute provides that "upon request, all public records responsive to the request shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours."
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, case filings, and sentencing information are accessible to the public. However, certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure under state and federal law:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358
- Expunged or sealed adult records, which are treated as if they do not exist for most public purposes
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, where disclosure would interfere with law enforcement
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal privacy protections, including certain immigration and federal court records
The Ohio Attorney General's office provides guidance on public records obligations and exemptions applicable to state and local agencies. Members of the public who believe a public records request has been improperly denied may file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims or seek a writ of mandamus through the courts.
How To Find Criminal Records in Delaware County Online?
Official County Resources
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas provides online access to case information through the county's court management system. Members of the public may search active and closed cases by party name, case number, or filing date. The Delaware County E-Filing portal also provides access to certain court documents and case status information. Online records reflect court filings and dispositions but may not include all historical cases predating electronic filing systems.
State-Level Resources
The Supreme Court of Ohio maintains the Ohio Courts Network, which aggregates case data from participating courts across the state. The Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides background check services for authorized requestors through its online portal.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches yield the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Be aware that records older than approximately 15–20 years may not be fully digitized
- Sealed and expunged records do not appear in public online searches
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Incomplete historical records, records not yet digitized, and records from courts that do not participate in statewide systems may not be accessible online. Online searches do not constitute official background checks for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings.
Can You Search Delaware County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Ohio law mandates that public records be made available for inspection at no charge. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, members of the public have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours without payment. Copying fees apply when physical or electronic copies are requested. In-person inspection is available at the Delaware County Clerk of Courts and the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.
2. Free Online Databases: The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas case search portal and the Ohio Courts Network provide free online access to case information. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office publishes current inmate and booking information on its website at no charge.
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports are available through the Delaware County Sheriff's Office website and may be inspected in person without charge.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of court record | $1.00–$5.00 per page (varies by document type) |
| Official BCI background check (name-based) | $22.00 |
| Official BCI background check (fingerprint-based) | $35.00 |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Varies by office |
| Expedited processing (BCI) | Additional fee may apply |
Fee schedules are established by the Delaware County Clerk of Courts and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and are subject to change. The Ohio Public Records Act does not provide for fee waivers based on the identity of the requestor for standard public records requests, though indigent individuals seeking expungement may petition the court for a fee waiver in that specific proceeding.
What's Included in a Delaware County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
A Delaware County criminal record at present includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable Ohio Revised Code statutes (with felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record information.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or finding, conviction date, sentencing details (including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration status (maintained through the Ohio Attorney General's office)
- DUI/OVI convictions
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed under state law)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Federal criminal records (maintained separately by the FBI)
- Records from completed diversion programs where charges were dismissed
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may petition the originating court or agency for correction. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Identification Division provides a process for challenging the accuracy of state criminal history records. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment background checks, professional licensing, and legal proceedings.
How Long Does Delaware County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
Ohio's records retention requirements for criminal justice records are governed by schedules established by the Ohio Auditor of State and the Ohio Historical Society. Courts and law enforcement agencies are required to adhere to these schedules, which vary by record type and agency.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent (court records) |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies; typically retained by agency |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted in record) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18 or upon court jurisdiction end; eligible for destruction after applicable period under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358 |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
County courts retain case records permanently in accordance with Ohio court records retention rules. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office retains jail and booking records according to the applicable Ohio retention schedule. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository, as noted by the agency: "BCI is committed to accurate criminal records for background checks, so that parents, employers, and others can make informed decisions."
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digital preservation, provided the electronic copy meets archival standards.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record following the expiration of its retention period.
- Sealing removes a record from public view but preserves it for law enforcement access.
- Expungement under Ohio law results in the sealing of the record and, in certain circumstances, its effective removal from public databases. Eligibility for expungement is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, which sets forth waiting periods, offense eligibility, and application procedures. Forms and eligibility information are available through the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Old Records Access
Records predating electronic filing systems may require special requests and may be held in physical archives. Members of the public seeking pre-digital records should contact the Delaware County Clerk of Courts directly.
Federal Records
Federal criminal records are maintained separately by the FBI and are subject to federal law and regulations distinct from Ohio's public records framework.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on an individual's criminal record permanently unless expunged or sealed. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act at present cover criminal history for the period permitted by applicable law, which for most positions extends seven to ten years. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the conviction. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32.