Tuscarawas County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Tuscarawas County
Arrest records in Tuscarawas County are considered public information under Ohio's Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes that most government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, are available for public inspection. The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records, with limited exceptions.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Ohio law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not lead to convictions may be eligible for sealing or expungement under certain circumstances.
The Ohio Attorney General's Office provides comprehensive guidance on public records access, including arrest information. Law enforcement agencies in Tuscarawas County, including the Sheriff's Office and local police departments, maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules and disclosure requirements.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist, particularly for records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, and certain victim information as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1). Additionally, some sensitive personal information may be redacted from public arrest records to protect privacy while still maintaining public access to the essential information about the arrest.
What's in Tuscarawas County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Tuscarawas County contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals by law enforcement agencies. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- 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
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where detained
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Date of release if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where held if in custody
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information related to the arrest
- Witness statements (may be redacted)
- Officer narratives (may be redacted)
- Medical screening information (limited disclosure)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office may contain different details than those kept by municipal police departments within the county.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Tuscarawas County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Tuscarawas County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary custodians of arrest records are the arresting agencies and the Clerk of Courts. Requesters should follow these steps to access arrest information:
- Identify the appropriate agency that maintains the desired records. For county-wide arrests, contact:
Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office
2295 Reiser Avenue SE
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 339-2000
Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office
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Submit a public records request specifying the information sought. Requests may be submitted:
- In person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
- By mail to the agency address
- By email or through online request forms where available
- By telephone (though written requests are recommended for documentation purposes)
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Provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records, such as:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate timeframe of the arrest
- Case number (if known)
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For court records related to arrests, contact:
Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts
125 East High Avenue
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 365-3243
Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts
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Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies of records. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), agencies may charge the actual cost of making copies, though viewing records in person is typically free of charge.
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For municipal arrests, contact the specific police department where the arrest occurred. For example:
New Philadelphia Police Department
122 2nd Street NE
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 343-4488
New Philadelphia Police Department
- Allow reasonable time for processing. While Ohio law requires prompt response to public records requests, complex requests may require additional time to compile and review records for any legally required redactions.
How To Find Tuscarawas County Arrest Records Online
Tuscarawas County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online resources are available to the public:
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The Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides current information on individuals currently held in the county jail. This searchable database includes:
- Names of current inmates
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release dates when applicable
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The Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts Public Access System offers online access to court records related to arrests. Users can search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
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The Ohio Statewide Offender Search maintained by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction provides information on individuals who have been sentenced to state prison. This database includes:
- Current incarceration status
- Facility location
- Conviction information
- Scheduled release dates
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For traffic-related arrests and citations, the Ohio Court Network offers a centralized portal to search multiple jurisdictions.
When using online systems, users should note:
- Information may not be comprehensive or immediately updated
- Some records may require additional verification
- Certain sensitive information is typically redacted from online records
- Not all arrest records are digitized or available through online portals
- Records for older arrests may only be available through direct agency requests
For the most complete and current information, direct contact with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office or relevant municipal police department is recommended, particularly for recent arrests or complex cases.
How To Search Tuscarawas County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Tuscarawas County arrest records without incurring fees. Ohio law provides for free inspection of public records, though copying costs may apply. The following methods allow for free access to arrest information:
- In-person inspection at the records custodian's office during regular business hours. Primary locations include:
Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office
2295 Reiser Avenue SE
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 339-2000
Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office
Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts
125 East High Avenue
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 365-3243
Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts
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Online resources provided by county agencies at no cost:
- The Sheriff's Office website offers a free inmate lookup tool
- The Clerk of Courts maintains a public access portal for court records
- Municipal court records may be available through city websites
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Public access computers at the Tuscarawas County Law Library:
Tuscarawas County Law Library
101 East High Avenue
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 364-3525
Tuscarawas County Law Library
- Local public libraries often provide free access to public records databases and assistance with records searches:
Tuscarawas County Public Library
121 Fair Avenue NW
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 364-4474
Tuscarawas County Public Library
- Weekly police blotters and arrest reports published in local newspapers, including:
- The Times-Reporter
- The Bargain Hunter
- Online news sites covering Tuscarawas County
When conducting free searches, requesters should be aware of certain limitations:
- Records may not be immediately available for inspection
- Staff assistance may be limited during busy periods
- Complex searches may require additional time
- Some records may require formal written requests
- Identification may be required for certain sensitive records
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), agencies cannot require requesters to disclose their identity or the intended use of the records, except in specific circumstances outlined in the statute.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Tuscarawas County
Ohio law provides mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.61. The distinction between these remedies is significant:
Expungement involves the physical destruction or permanent deletion of records, effectively erasing the arrest from official records. This option is limited to specific circumstances, such as cases of mistaken identity or wrongful arrest.
Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official use. Sealed records are not accessible through standard public records requests but remain available to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Eligibility for sealing arrest records in Tuscarawas County depends on several factors:
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Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or no bill from grand jury may be sealed immediately upon disposition.
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For convictions:
- Misdemeanors: Eligible one year after final discharge
- Felonies: Eligible three years after final discharge
- First-time offenders have expanded eligibility
- Certain offenses are ineligible, including most violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors
The process for sealing records in Tuscarawas County involves:
- Filing an application with the court that handled the case:
Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court
101 East High Avenue
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 365-3299
Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court
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Paying the filing fee (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available)
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Attending a hearing where a judge will consider:
- Eligibility under state law
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- The government's interest in maintaining the record
- The applicant's interest in having the record sealed
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If granted, the court will issue an order to all relevant agencies to seal the records
It is important to note that sealing records in Tuscarawas County does not automatically extend to federal records or private databases that may have collected the information. Additionally, certain employers and licensing boards may still have access to sealed records under specific statutory exceptions.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process. The Ohio Legal Aid provides resources for low-income individuals seeking to seal records.
What Happens After Arrest in Tuscarawas County?
Following an arrest in Tuscarawas County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Ohio law and local court rules. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility where they undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial paperwork processing
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Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge or magistrate who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of their constitutional rights
- Makes preliminary determination of probable cause
- Sets bail or bond conditions
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies
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Pretrial Release Determination: The court decides whether the defendant may be released pending trial based on:
- Nature and circumstances of the charges
- Weight of evidence
- Community ties and flight risk
- Criminal history
- Public safety considerations
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Preliminary Hearing (felony cases): Held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody or 15 days if released, where:
- Prosecution must establish probable cause
- Judge determines if case should proceed
- Case may be bound over to grand jury
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Grand Jury Proceedings (felony cases): A panel of citizens hears evidence presented by the prosecutor and determines whether to issue an indictment.
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Arraignment: Formal reading of charges where the defendant enters a plea:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest
- Not guilty by reason of insanity
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Pretrial Conferences: Meetings between prosecution and defense to:
- Exchange discovery
- Discuss potential plea agreements
- Address procedural issues
- Set timeline for further proceedings
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Motion Hearings: Court considers legal arguments on issues such as:
- Suppression of evidence
- Dismissal of charges
- Change of venue
- Other procedural matters
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Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:
- Jury trial (guaranteed for serious offenses)
- Bench trial (judge decides both facts and law)
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Sentencing: Upon conviction, the court imposes penalties that may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and costs
- Restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
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Appeals: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to:
- Fifth District Court of Appeals
- Supreme Court of Ohio (in certain cases)
Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through diversion programs, plea negotiations, or dismissal. The Tuscarawas County Prosecutor's Office and the courts balance the interests of justice, public safety, and individual rights in accordance with Ohio law.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tuscarawas County?
Arrest records in Tuscarawas County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which governs records management for local government entities. The Ohio History Connection (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services provide oversight for these retention policies.
Law enforcement agencies in Tuscarawas County typically retain arrest records according to the following guidelines:
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Basic arrest information (arrest reports, booking photos, fingerprints):
- Felony arrests: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 25 years
- Minor misdemeanors: Minimum of 5 years
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Investigative records related to arrests:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained for serious offenses (homicide, sexual assault)
- Other felonies: Minimum of 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 5-7 years after case closure
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Booking photographs (mugshots):
- Maintained as part of the arrest record according to the same schedule
- Digital images may be retained indefinitely in electronic systems
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Fingerprint records:
- Submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and maintained permanently in state and federal databases
- Local copies retained according to agency policy, typically matching arrest record retention
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Court records related to arrests:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 25 years
- Traffic cases: 25 years
- Expunged or sealed records: Maintained according to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 but with restricted access
Different agencies within Tuscarawas County may have varying retention requirements:
Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office maintains records according to the county records commission schedule.
Municipal Police Departments within the county follow their respective municipal records commission schedules, which must meet minimum state requirements.
Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to arrests according to the Supreme Court of Ohio's records retention guidelines.
The extended retention of these records serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of similar crimes
- Provides documentation for background checks
- Maintains historical and statistical information
- Ensures accountability of the criminal justice system
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies should contact the relevant agency directly, as policies may be updated periodically to reflect changes in state law or local practice.
How to Find Mugshots in Tuscarawas County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest and booking process. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Tuscarawas County, mugshots typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile (lateral) view in some cases
- Identification information displayed on a board or digitally embedded
- Date of booking
- Arresting agency information
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Tuscarawas County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office
2295 Reiser Avenue SE
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 339-2000
Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office
Municipal police departments within the county also maintain mugshots for arrests they process. These photographs become part of the official arrest record and are stored in both physical and digital formats, depending on the agency's record-keeping systems.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Tuscarawas County have several options:
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Submit a public records request to the arresting agency, specifying:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Request for "booking photograph" or "mugshot"
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Visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency during business hours to submit an in-person request.
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Check the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office website, which may publish recent booking photos as part of their inmate roster.
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Contact the Tuscarawas County Jail directly for information about obtaining mugshots of current or recently released inmates:
Tuscarawas County Jail
2295 Reiser Avenue SE
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 339-2000
Tuscarawas County Jail
Can They Be Found Online
Some mugshots from Tuscarawas County may be available online through:
- The Sheriff's Office inmate roster or recent booking section of their official website
- Court records databases that occasionally include booking photos
- Local news media websites that may publish mugshots for newsworthy arrests
However, online availability is inconsistent and not comprehensive. Recent changes in Ohio law and policy have led many agencies to limit online publication of mugshots, particularly for minor offenses.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining an official mugshot is through a formal public records request. Under Ohio's Public Records Act, requesters may need to:
- Submit the request in writing
- Pay reasonable copying fees (typically $0.05-$0.25 per page for physical copies)
- Allow time for processing and potential redaction of certain information
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Tuscarawas County may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (under 18): Mugshots generally not public under Ohio law
- Sealed or expunged records: Not available to the public
- Ongoing investigations: May be temporarily withheld
- Cases involving certain victims: May have restricted access
- Bookings related to mental health holds: Often protected by privacy laws
Additionally, Ohio has enacted legislation limiting the commercial use of mugshots, particularly by websites that charge fees for removal. Ohio Revised Code § 2925.04 prohibits certain practices related to publishing mugshots for commercial purposes.
Lookup Arrest Records in Tuscarawas County
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