Ashtabula County Criminal Records
What Is Ashtabula County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Ashtabula County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, these records are maintained as part of the public record, with certain exceptions as prescribed by law.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which do not necessarily indicate guilt
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal proceedings
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 years and older, generally accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Records for offenders under 18, which are typically sealed and have restricted access under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
- Historical Records: Archives of past criminal justice interactions
Multiple agencies maintain these records in Ashtabula County:
Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office
25 West Jefferson Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-0055
Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office
Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas
25 West Jefferson Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-3637
Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
740-845-2000
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts maintains official court records for cases processed through the county's judicial system.
Are Criminal Records Public In Ashtabula County
Criminal records in Ashtabula County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Ohio Public Records Act, which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection. This statute, commonly referred to as Ohio's "Sunshine Law," mandates that public offices promptly prepare and make available for inspection all public records.
The relevant statutory language states: "Upon request and subject to division (B)(8) of this section, 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."
However, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations
- Sealed Records: Cases that have been officially sealed by court order
- Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged and removed from public view
- Juvenile Records: Generally confidential under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14, with limited exceptions
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Testimony and evidence presented to grand juries
- Certain Victim Information: Personal identifying details of crime victims, particularly in sensitive cases
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are typically available for public inspection. The Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts serves as the custodian of court records and facilitates public access in accordance with state law.
Members of the public should note that while criminal records are generally accessible, certain procedural requirements may apply to obtain copies or certified documents, and fees may be assessed for reproduction services as permitted under Ohio law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Ashtabula County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Ashtabula County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts
25 West Jefferson Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-3637
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts
The procedure for obtaining criminal records includes:
- Complete a public records request form, available at the Clerk's office or downloadable from the county website
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, case number, date range)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for standard copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
- Allow processing time, which varies based on the complexity and age of the requested records
For criminal background checks that include state-level information, individuals may contact:
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
740-845-2000
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 109:5-1-01, requestors must submit fingerprints and pay the statutory fee for a comprehensive background check. The current fee structure is $22 for a state-only check and $34 for a state and FBI combined check.
For active warrants and current inmate information, the public may contact:
Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office
25 West Jefferson Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-0055
Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office
How To Find Criminal Records in Ashtabula County Online?
Ashtabula County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These resources offer varying levels of detail and cover different aspects of the criminal justice process.
The primary online resources include:
-
Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts Public Records Search
This portal allows users to search court cases by name, case number, or filing date. The system includes:- Criminal felony cases
- Criminal misdemeanor cases
- Traffic cases
- Civil cases
Users can access basic case information without registration, though detailed document viewing may require creating an account. The search portal is accessible through the Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts website.
-
Ashtabula County Sheriff's Inmate Roster
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals incarcerated in the county jail. This database includes:- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release date (when applicable)
This information is updated daily and requires no registration to access. The roster can be found on the Sheriff's Office website.
-
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search
For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction maintains a searchable database that includes:- Current incarceration status
- Facility location
- Admission date
- Scheduled release date
- Offense information
- Supervision status for those on parole
-
Ohio Courts Network
Legal professionals and authorized users can access the Ohio Courts Network, which provides a comprehensive view of case information across multiple jurisdictions in Ohio. This system requires professional credentials and is not available for general public access.
When using online search tools, users should note that:
- Not all records may be available electronically, particularly older cases
- Some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
- Official copies of court documents typically require in-person requests
- Online records should be verified through official channels for complete accuracy
Can You Search Ashtabula County Criminal Records for Free?
Ashtabula County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), which states that "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."
Free inspection options include:
In-Person Inspection
The following locations offer free on-site viewing of criminal records:
Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts
25 West Jefferson Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-3637
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts
Ashtabula County Law Library
25 West Jefferson Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-3939
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Free Online Resources
Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts Public Records Search
This portal allows free searches of court cases, including criminal matters. Basic case information is viewable without cost, though document downloads may incur fees. -
Ashtabula County Sheriff's Inmate Roster
The current jail population database is freely accessible through the Sheriff's Office website. -
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search
State prison records can be searched without charge through the ODRC Offender Search portal.
While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply for copies of records:
- Standard paper copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Electronic records: Varies based on storage medium
The county may waive fees in certain circumstances, such as for indigent requestors or when the request serves a public interest, though such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the records custodian.
What's Included in a Ashtabula County Criminal Record?
Ashtabula County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arrest narrative (may be redacted in public versions)
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Municipal Court or Court of Common Pleas)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed and corresponding Ohio Revised Code statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony class or misdemeanor level)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Court appearance dates
- Motion filings and judicial rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details, including:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protection or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/OVI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation/parole status reports
Criminal records maintained by the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office may contain additional law enforcement data not available in court records, while court files maintained by the Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts provide the official legal documentation of case proceedings.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 1901.41, certain sensitive information such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information regarding victims of sex crimes is redacted from public versions of criminal records.
How Long Does Ashtabula County Keep Criminal Records?
Ashtabula County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which authorizes county records commissions to establish retention periods for various document types. The retention periods vary based on the nature and severity of the offense, as well as the type of record.
Standard retention periods for criminal records in Ashtabula County include:
Felony Case Files:
- Capital offenses: Permanent retention
- First and second-degree felonies: 50 years after case closure
- Third, fourth, and fifth-degree felonies: 25 years after case closure
Misdemeanor Case Files:
- First and second-degree misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Minor misdemeanors: 2 years after case closure
- OVI/DUI cases: 50 years after case closure
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Retained with corresponding case file
- Felony arrests without conviction: 5 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: 2 years from date of arrest
Incarceration Records:
- County jail records: 10 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
- Jail visitor logs: 3 years
Probation Records:
- Felony probation: 10 years after completion
- Misdemeanor probation: 5 years after completion
The Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts maintains the official court records according to the county's records retention schedule, which is reviewed periodically by the Ashtabula County Records Commission.
It is important to note that while physical documents may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indices and basic case information may be maintained for longer periods or permanently, particularly for felony convictions. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained indefinitely even after physical copies are destroyed.
The Ohio Supreme Court provides guidance on records retention for all courts in the state, which serves as the foundation for Ashtabula County's retention policies. Records subject to pending litigation, audit, or public records request are exempt from destruction regardless of their scheduled retention period.
Lookup Criminal Records in Ashtabula County
Ashtabula County Official Website
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search
Ohio Attorney General Criminal Records Request
U.S. Department of Justice - Ashtabula County Sheriff Information