Washington County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026
WashingtonOHRecords.us provides publicly available data related to arrest records in Washington County, Ohio, including booking information, charges, custody status, and court case details. Members of the public may find records such as arrest logs, mugshots, bond information, criminal case filings, and inmate rosters through the resources described below.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may search current inmate information, including charges and booking dates, through the Washington County Sheriff's Office online portal. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status, booking number, and charges filed at the time of arrest.
2. Local Police Departments
The Marietta Police Department, as the primary municipal law enforcement agency in Washington County, maintains arrest logs and issues press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may contact the Marietta Police Department for records related to arrests occurring within city limits. Additional municipalities within the county, including Belpre, maintain their own records divisions.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Washington County Clerk of Courts provides online case search functionality, allowing members of the public to search criminal case filings by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests, including arraignment dates, charge information, and case dispositions, are accessible through the Washington County Clerk of Courts case search system.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public and authorized entities may request criminal history records through the Ohio BCI background check system. Standard fees apply for background check requests submitted through this portal, and results include arrest and conviction history from jurisdictions throughout Ohio.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Washington County Sheriff's Office
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-2828
Washington County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located at the main office address above
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Fees for copies: $0.05 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
Marietta Police Department
301 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 374-5152
Marietta Police Department
- Records requests are processed through the records division
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Valid photo identification required for in-person requests
- Copy fees consistent with Ohio public records law
Belpre Police Department
1710 Farson Street
Belpre, OH 45714
Phone: (740) 423-9811
Clerk of Court:
Washington County Clerk of Courts
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Washington County Clerk of Courts
- Criminal records division is located at the courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Case file inspection is available at public access terminals
- Copy fees: $0.05 per page; certified copies available for an additional fee
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 205 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time is subject to the volume of pending requests and the nature of the records sought.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (740) 373-2828
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Phone inquiries provide limited information; callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for complete records
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings, and discovery processes in criminal cases provide access to arrest-related documentation not available through standard public records requests.
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, Marietta PD, Belpre PD, etc.)
Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County
Arrest records in Washington County are public records under Ohio law. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all public records maintained by government agencies are open to inspection by any member of the public, and law enforcement agencies are specifically required to make arrest records available. This statute reflects Ohio's strong commitment to government transparency and public accountability.
Arrest records are made public for several reasons recognized under Ohio law and policy:
- Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions
- Public safety awareness within the community
- Support for journalism, academic research, and civic oversight
- Facilitation of background screening by employers and licensing agencies
- Use in legal proceedings and civil litigation
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
- Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing cases
- Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Ohio Constitution and Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 together establish the legal framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information, while due process considerations require that the distinction between an arrest and a conviction be clearly understood. An arrest record reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute proof of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history. Ohio does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have local ordinances. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest without a resulting conviction carries no presumption of guilt and its use in employment or housing decisions may be subject to challenge under applicable anti-discrimination law.
What's in Washington County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any 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 (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, etc.)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed
- 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
- Gang-related designation if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking 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 as set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
- Release conditions if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (Municipal Court, Common Pleas Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment if available at time of record creation
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques and methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted under Ohio law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in the arrest record itself
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Washington County?
Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public agencies may charge only the actual cost of providing copies of public records. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.05 per page |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication |
| Inspection of records | No charge for inspection |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Ohio law |
- Inspection of public records at the office is available at no charge
- Copies are subject to the per-page fee noted above
- Certification fees vary by office and document type
- Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of duplication, not a premium charge
- Payment methods accepted include cash, check, and money order; individual offices may accept credit cards
- Fee waivers are not broadly available under Ohio law, though indigent individuals involved in legal proceedings may seek fee relief through the court
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no cost by visiting the relevant agency during business hours. Fees apply only when copies are requested.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington 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 to the record without destroying it. Under Ohio law, the terms are at times used interchangeably in practice, but the legal distinction is significant.
Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, eligible individuals may petition the court to have arrest records sealed. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the applicant's criminal history. Records eligible for sealing include:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction
- Dismissed charges
- Acquittals
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after the applicable waiting period
- Charges where the prosecutor declined to file
Steps to Petition for Sealing or Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Washington County Clerk of Courts
- Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and case outcome under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
- Complete the petition for sealing or expungement, available from the Clerk of Courts
- File the petition with the Washington County Court of Common Pleas or Municipal Court, depending on the level of the offense
- Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $50.00 for sealing petitions in Ohio Common Pleas Court)
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the prosecutor's office will be notified and may object
- If the court grants the petition, the order is transmitted to the Ohio BCI and local law enforcement agencies for record update
Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:
Washington County Court of Common Pleas
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Washington County Court of Common Pleas
Washington County Municipal Court
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Washington County Municipal Court
Third-party websites that republish arrest records are not subject to Ohio expungement orders and may retain records independently of law enforcement databases. Individuals seeking removal from such sites must contact those operators directly.
What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Washington County Jail, located at 201 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Washington County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Ohio BCI
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
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
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally explained
- Hearings may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, if the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The Ohio Department of Insurance maintains a list of licensed bail bond agents.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear, with no monetary payment required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order detention without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives written conditions of release, a court date, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Washington County Public Defender's Office
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Washington County Public Defender
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and are permitted confidential consultations at the jail.
Charging Decision:
The Washington 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 proceed with an indictment.
Washington County Prosecutor's Office
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Washington County Prosecutor
Court Process Overview:
Following arraignment, the case proceeds through pretrial phases including discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement at any stage. Cases may be resolved through dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year
- Ohio's constitutional speedy trial provisions require trial within specific timeframes based on offense level
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Washington County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
201 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-2828
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Washington County Clerk of Courts
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Washington County Clerk of Courts
Washington County Prosecutor's Office
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Washington County Prosecutor
Washington County Public Defender's Office
205 Putnam Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623
Washington County Public Defender
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 for assistance with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Washington County is governed by Ohio law and the records retention schedules established by the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board and the Ohio Auditor of State. Local agencies are required to follow approved retention schedules, and deviation from those schedules requires authorization.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
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 individual's permanent criminal history record
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of several years depending on the offense
- Court records for misdemeanor cases are retained for a minimum period established by the Ohio Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court retention schedules
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a period of years even following dismissal
- Court records may be retained permanently unless sealed or expunged
- State repository records remain unless the individual obtains a sealing order
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a defined period
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Eligible for sealing under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period
- Arrest logs may be retained for several years
- May be eligible for immediate expungement petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable schedule
- Digital records management systems often retain records permanently or for extended periods
- Mugshot databases may retain images beyond the standard retention period
- Court electronic records are generally retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to Ohio expungement orders. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework are not bound by the same obligations.
Retention by Agency:
Washington County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Retained per Ohio records retention schedule
- Arrest reports: Retained per applicable schedule
- Investigative files: Retention varies by case outcome and offense type
- Contact: (740) 373-2828
Washington County Clerk of Courts:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained per Ohio Municipal Court retention schedule
- Electronic records: Generally permanent
Ohio BCI State Repository:
- Maintains arrest and conviction records from all Ohio jurisdictions
- Retention policy follows Ohio administrative rules
- Accessible through the Ohio Attorney General's BCI division
FBI Database:
- NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
- Federal retention is typically permanent
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks and investigations
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases
- Dismissal: May remain unless expunged; often not reported on standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records sealed or destroyed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation indicating the record has been sealed
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after a defined number of years
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Ohio does not currently impose a statewide limit shorter than the federal standard for private employment background checks. Arrests without convictions carry no presumption of guilt and their use in employment decisions may be subject to challenge under applicable equal employment opportunity law.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Records Division at (740) 373-2828 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request may be required, and applicable copy fees may apply.