Medina County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Medina County
Arrest records in Medina County are considered public information under Ohio's Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes that records kept by any public office, including law enforcement agencies, are public records unless specifically exempted by law. The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records as fundamental to government transparency and accountability.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process
Under Ohio law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions exist. The Ohio Attorney General's Office provides comprehensive guidance on public records access, noting that law enforcement agencies may withhold specific information that could compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals.
The Medina County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, some information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under statutory exemptions.
What's in Medina County Arrest Records
Medina County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records are maintained by the Medina County Sheriff's Office and may include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
- Charge description
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the arrest. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Medina County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Medina County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
In-Person Requests:
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Medina County Sheriff's Office
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-6631
Medina County Sheriff's Office
The records division is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. When requesting records in person:
- Complete a public records request form (available at the front desk)
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees (typically $0.05 per page for standard copies)
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Sheriff's Office address above. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records for inspection upon request. Include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Preferred method of delivery (mail, email, fax)
- Date range of records requested
Electronic Requests:
The Medina County Sheriff's Office accepts records requests via email. Direct electronic requests to the Records Division at records@medinasheriff.com. Include the same information as required for written requests.
Telephone Requests:
Limited information may be available via telephone by calling the Records Division at (330) 725-6631. However, for comprehensive records, written or in-person requests are recommended.
The Medina County Clerk of Courts also maintains certain arrest-related records:
Medina County Clerk of Courts
93 Public Square
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-9746
Medina County Clerk of Courts
Under Ohio law, public agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable period. While same-day fulfillment is possible for readily available records, more complex requests may require additional processing time.
How To Find Medina County Arrest Records Online
Medina County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource for Medina County arrest records is the Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal. This database is accessible through the Medina County Sheriff's Office website under the "Inmate Search" section. The system allows users to search for:
- Currently incarcerated individuals
- Recently booked arrestees
- Released inmates (within a limited timeframe)
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Inmate Search page
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results, which typically include basic arrest information and custody status
- Follow on-screen instructions for obtaining additional details
The Medina County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case access system that provides information on criminal cases resulting from arrests. This system includes:
- Case numbers
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case disposition
- Sentencing information
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains the state's official criminal history repository. While not specific to Medina County, this database includes arrest records from all Ohio jurisdictions, including Medina County.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest record information. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, certain information may be restricted from public online access. For comprehensive records, direct contact with the Sheriff's Office Records Division remains the most reliable method.
How To Search Medina County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Medina County arrest records without incurring fees. Ohio's Public Records Act establishes the right to inspect public records at no cost, though reproduction fees may apply.
Free In-Person Inspection:
The most direct method for free access is in-person inspection at:
Medina County Sheriff's Office
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-6631
Medina County Sheriff's Office
During regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM), individuals may:
- Request to inspect specific arrest records
- Review documents on-site without charge
- Take notes from records
- Use personal devices to photograph records (subject to departmental policy)
Free Online Resources:
Several no-cost online resources provide access to Medina County arrest information:
-
The Medina County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup provides basic information about current inmates and recent arrests without charge.
-
The Medina County Clerk of Courts Public Access system offers free searches of criminal cases, including those resulting from arrests.
-
The Medina County Municipal Court website provides access to misdemeanor cases within its jurisdiction at no cost.
Public Access Terminals:
Free public access terminals are available at:
Medina County Law Library
93 Public Square, Room 307
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 723-3324
Medina County Law Library
These terminals provide access to court records, including those related to arrests, without charge during regular library hours.
While inspection of records is free, reproduction costs may apply if copies are requested. Standard copying fees are typically $0.05 per page for black and white copies, pursuant to the county's established fee schedule.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Medina County
Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Medina County have specific legal remedies available under Ohio law. It is important to distinguish between expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access):
Expungement legally destroys records, making them inaccessible to anyone, including law enforcement and courts in most circumstances.
Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for limited access by law enforcement, courts, and certain employers as authorized by law.
In Ohio, the process is technically record sealing rather than true expungement, though the terms are often used interchangeably. This process is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 for convictions and Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52 for non-convictions.
Eligibility Requirements:
For arrest records without conviction (dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, or no formal charges filed):
- Eligible for sealing immediately after case conclusion
- No limit on number of non-conviction records that can be sealed
For conviction records:
- Misdemeanors: Eligible one year after final discharge
- Felonies: Eligible three years after final discharge
- Limited to one felony and two misdemeanor convictions (with exceptions)
- Certain offenses are ineligible, including most violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses against minors
Application Process:
- File an application with the court that handled the case:
Medina County Common Pleas Court (for felonies)
93 Public Square
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-9706
Medina County Common Pleas Court
Medina Municipal Court (for misdemeanors)
135 North Elmwood Avenue
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 722-9030
Medina Municipal Court
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available)
- Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
- If granted, the court will order all relevant agencies to seal their records
The court considers several factors when deciding whether to grant record sealing, including:
- The applicant's interest in sealing the records
- The government's need to maintain the records
- The applicant's rehabilitation
- Any other relevant factors
Even after sealing, certain entities may still access sealed records, including law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and specific employers as authorized by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).
What Happens After Arrest in Medina County?
Following an arrest in Medina County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Ohio law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
Booking and Initial Detention:
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Medina County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial charge documentation
The Medina County Jail is located at:
Medina County Jail
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-6631
Medina County Sheriff's Office
Initial Appearance:
Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge for:
- Formal notification of charges
- Bail determination
- Appointment of counsel if indigent
- Scheduling of subsequent proceedings
Initial appearances typically occur at:
Medina Municipal Court
135 North Elmwood Avenue
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 722-9030
Medina Municipal Court
Preliminary Hearing:
For felony cases, a preliminary hearing may be held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody (15 days if not in custody) to determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the offense. This step is often waived if a grand jury indictment is pursued.
Grand Jury Proceedings:
Felony cases in Medina County typically proceed to a grand jury, which meets in closed sessions to determine if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public, and defendants do not participate.
Arraignment:
Following indictment (for felonies) or formal charging (for misdemeanors), defendants are arraigned in the appropriate court:
- Felonies: Medina County Court of Common Pleas
- Misdemeanors: Medina Municipal Court or Wadsworth Municipal Court (depending on jurisdiction)
During arraignment, defendants enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
Cases proceeding to trial undergo various pre-trial activities:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Motion hearings
- Status conferences
- Plea negotiations
Trial:
If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, which may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (guaranteed for serious offenses under the Sixth Amendment)
Sentencing:
Upon conviction (through plea or verdict), sentencing occurs according to Ohio sentencing guidelines. Sentences may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Appeals:
Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to the Ninth District Court of Appeals within 30 days of judgment.
Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights, including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Ohio Revised Code § 2935.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Medina County?
Arrest records in Medina County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which governs records management for local government entities. These retention periods ensure proper documentation of law enforcement activities while balancing privacy concerns and administrative efficiency.
The Medina County Sheriff's Office follows the Ohio Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule developed by the Ohio History Connection's State Archives division. Under this schedule:
- Arrest reports and booking information are typically retained for 25 years
- Fingerprint cards and photographs (mugshots) are maintained for 25 years
- Incident reports related to arrests are kept for 5 years after case closure
- Jail records documenting incarceration are retained for 10 years after release
- Warrant information is maintained until the warrant is served or recalled
Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate retention schedules:
- The Medina County Prosecutor's Office retains felony case files for 25 years and misdemeanor case files for 5 years after case closure
- The Medina County Clerk of Courts maintains court records permanently for felony cases and for 50 years for misdemeanor cases
- The Medina County Adult Probation Department keeps supervision records for 10 years after case closure
These retention periods serve several critical purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Documentation of law enforcement actions for accountability
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Compliance with state and federal reporting requirements
It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, digital records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged through court order are removed from public access but may be preserved in restricted archives pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, which maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information, retains arrest data indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court.
How to Find Mugshots in Medina County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
In Medina County, mugshots are created as part of standard booking procedures at the Medina County Jail and are considered public records under Ohio law, with certain limitations.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Medina County are primarily maintained by:
Medina County Sheriff's Office
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-6631
Medina County Sheriff's Office
As the agency responsible for operating the county jail, the Sheriff's Office creates and maintains these photographs as part of their arrest documentation. Digital copies are stored in the jail management system, while physical copies may be included in paper arrest files.
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Medina County, individuals may:
-
Submit a public records request directly to the Medina County Sheriff's Office Records Division, specifying:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or booking number (if available)
- Request for "booking photograph" or "mugshot"
-
Visit the Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to submit the request.
-
Mail a written request to the Sheriff's Office address listed above.
Can They Be Found Online
The Medina County Sheriff's Office currently provides limited online access to mugshots through their inmate search function on the official website. This system typically displays:
- Current inmates' booking photographs
- Recently released inmates (within a limited timeframe)
- Basic arrest information
The online system may not include historical mugshots or those for individuals who have been released from custody. Additionally, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, mugshots related to sealed or expunged cases will not be available online.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Complete the Sheriff's Office public records request form
- Provide specific identifying information about the arrest
- Pay applicable reproduction fees (typically $0.05 per page for printed copies)
- Request electronic copies if preferred (may be provided via email at the agency's discretion)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records in Ohio, several restrictions may apply:
- Photographs of juveniles (under 18) are not publicly accessible
- Mugshots related to sealed or expunged cases are restricted
- Images related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Certain victim-related cases may have restricted access
The Ohio Public Records Act provides the legal framework for mugshot access, balancing public information rights with privacy considerations.
Lookup Arrest Records in Medina County
Are Arrest Records Public in Medina County
Arrest records in Medina County are considered public information under Ohio's Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes that records kept by any public office, including law enforcement agencies, are public records unless specifically exempted by law. The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records as fundamental to government transparency and accountability.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process
Under Ohio law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions exist. The Ohio Attorney General's Office provides comprehensive guidance on public records access, noting that law enforcement agencies may withhold specific information that could compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals.
The Medina County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, some information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under statutory exemptions.
What's in Medina County Arrest Records
Medina County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records are maintained by the Medina County Sheriff's Office and may include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
- Charge description
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the arrest. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Medina County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Medina County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
In-Person Requests:
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Medina County Sheriff's Office
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-6631
Medina County Sheriff's Office
The records division is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. When requesting records in person:
- Complete a public records request form (available at the front desk)
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees (typically $0.05 per page for standard copies)
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Sheriff's Office address above. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records for inspection upon request. Include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Preferred method of delivery (mail, email, fax)
- Date range of records requested
Electronic Requests:
The Medina County Sheriff's Office accepts records requests via email. Direct electronic requests to the Records Division at records@medinasheriff.com. Include the same information as required for written requests.
Telephone Requests:
Limited information may be available via telephone by calling the Records Division at (330) 725-6631. However, for comprehensive records, written or in-person requests are recommended.
The Medina County Clerk of Courts also maintains certain arrest-related records:
Medina County Clerk of Courts
93 Public Square
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-9746
Medina County Clerk of Courts
Under Ohio law, public agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable period. While same-day fulfillment is possible for readily available records, more complex requests may require additional processing time.
How To Find Medina County Arrest Records Online
Medina County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource for Medina County arrest records is the Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal. This database is accessible through the Medina County Sheriff's Office website under the "Inmate Search" section. The system allows users to search for:
- Currently incarcerated individuals
- Recently booked arrestees
- Released inmates (within a limited timeframe)
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Inmate Search page
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results, which typically include basic arrest information and custody status
- Follow on-screen instructions for obtaining additional details
The Medina County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case access system that provides information on criminal cases resulting from arrests. This system includes:
- Case numbers
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case disposition
- Sentencing information
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains the state's official criminal history repository. While not specific to Medina County, this database includes arrest records from all Ohio jurisdictions, including Medina County.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest record information. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10-06, certain information may be restricted from public online access. For comprehensive records, direct contact with the Sheriff's Office Records Division remains the most reliable method.
How To Search Medina County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Medina County arrest records without incurring fees. Ohio's Public Records Act establishes the right to inspect public records at no cost, though reproduction fees may apply.
Free In-Person Inspection:
The most direct method for free access is in-person inspection at:
Medina County Sheriff's Office
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-6631
Medina County Sheriff's Office
During regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM), individuals may:
- Request to inspect specific arrest records
- Review documents on-site without charge
- Take notes from records
- Use personal devices to photograph records (subject to departmental policy)
Free Online Resources:
Several no-cost online resources provide access to Medina County arrest information:
-
The Medina County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup provides basic information about current inmates and recent arrests without charge.
-
The Medina County Clerk of Courts Public Access system offers free searches of criminal cases, including those resulting from arrests.
-
The Medina County Municipal Court website provides access to misdemeanor cases within its jurisdiction at no cost.
Public Access Terminals:
Free public access terminals are available at:
Medina County Law Library
93 Public Square, Room 307
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 723-3324
Medina County Law Library
These terminals provide access to court records, including those related to arrests, without charge during regular library hours.
While inspection of records is free, reproduction costs may apply if copies are requested. Standard copying fees are typically $0.05 per page for black and white copies, pursuant to the county's established fee schedule.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Medina County
Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Medina County have specific legal remedies available under Ohio law. It is important to distinguish between expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access):
Expungement legally destroys records, making them inaccessible to anyone, including law enforcement and courts in most circumstances.
Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for limited access by law enforcement, courts, and certain employers as authorized by law.
In Ohio, the process is technically record sealing rather than true expungement, though the terms are often used interchangeably. This process is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 for convictions and Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52 for non-convictions.
Eligibility Requirements:
For arrest records without conviction (dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, or no formal charges filed):
- Eligible for sealing immediately after case conclusion
- No limit on number of non-conviction records that can be sealed
For conviction records:
- Misdemeanors: Eligible one year after final discharge
- Felonies: Eligible three years after final discharge
- Limited to one felony and two misdemeanor convictions (with exceptions)
- Certain offenses are ineligible, including most violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses against minors
Application Process:
- File an application with the court that handled the case:
Medina County Common Pleas Court (for felonies)
93 Public Square
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-9706
Medina County Common Pleas Court
Medina Municipal Court (for misdemeanors)
135 North Elmwood Avenue
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 722-9030
Medina Municipal Court
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available)
- Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
- If granted, the court will order all relevant agencies to