Mahoning County Criminal Records
What Is Mahoning County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Mahoning County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which establishes the framework for public records in the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more.
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year in jail.
Adult and juvenile records are handled differently under Ohio law:
- Adult records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public.
- Juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and not available for public inspection except under specific circumstances outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358.
The criminal record lifecycle typically includes:
- Arrest and booking information
- Charging documents
- Arraignment records
- Plea information
- Trial documentation
- Sentencing details
- Probation/parole records
Multiple agencies maintain portions of these records:
Mahoning County Sheriff's Office
110 Fifth Avenue
Youngstown, OH 44503
(330) 480-5000
Mahoning County Sheriff's Office
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts
120 Market Street
Youngstown, OH 44503
(330) 740-2104
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
(740) 845-2000
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Are Criminal Records Public In Mahoning County
Criminal records in Mahoning County are generally public documents in accordance with the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that government records, including criminal records, are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The Ohio Public Records Act 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."
Public criminal record information typically includes:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access, including:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Records sealed by court order pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records expunged under statutory authority
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain victim information
The Mahoning County Clerk of Courts maintains the official court records for criminal cases filed within the county's jurisdiction. These records document the judicial process from initial filing through final disposition and are available through the Clerk's office.
Law enforcement records, including arrest reports and booking information, are maintained by the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. While these records are generally public, certain investigative materials may be withheld if their release would compromise an ongoing investigation.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Mahoning County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Mahoning County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each providing access to different components of the criminal justice system.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts
120 Market Street
Youngstown, OH 44503
(330) 740-2104
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts
The process 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, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of the incident or court proceeding
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email to the appropriate agency.
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies).
For comprehensive background checks, individuals may contact:
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
(740) 845-2000
Ohio Background Check Services
BCI background checks require:
- Completed request form
- Fingerprints (electronic or ink card)
- Payment of required fees
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Requests for inmate information can be directed to:
Mahoning County Justice Center
110 Fifth Avenue
Youngstown, OH 44503
(330) 480-5000
Hours: 24 hours daily for inmate information
Mahoning County Sheriff's Office
How To Find Criminal Records in Mahoning County Online?
Mahoning County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are available 24 hours a day.
The primary online resources include:
-
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts Case Search
The Mahoning County e-Courts portal provides access to court case information including:- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party information
- Charges filed
- Court appearances and continuances
- Case disposition and sentencing information
- Court costs and fines
Users can search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type
-
Mahoning County Sheriff's Inmate Search
The Public Inmate Information system allows users to:- View current jail population
- Search for specific inmates
- Access booking information
- View charges and bond amounts
- Check scheduled release dates
Search options include:
- Inmate name
- Booking number
- Date of birth
-
Mahoning County Records Search Portal
The county's Record Searches page provides links to various public records databases, including:- Property records
- Tax information
- Court records
- Vital statistics
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Some detailed case documents may not be available online
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted
- Historical records may have limited online availability
- Registration may be required for certain search functions
- Some advanced search features may incur fees
For records not available online, users must submit requests through the appropriate county office as detailed in the previous section.
Can You Search Mahoning County Criminal Records for Free?
Mahoning County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, in accordance with the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that "a public office or person responsible for public records shall make copies of the requested public record available to the requester at cost."
Free record inspection is available at:
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts
120 Market Street
Youngstown, OH 44503
(330) 740-2104
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts
The following online resources are available at no cost:
-
Mahoning County e-Courts Portal
The e-Courts system provides free access to:- Basic case information
- Party names
- Case status
- Hearing dates
- Case disposition
-
Mahoning County Sheriff's Inmate Search
The Public Inmate Information system offers free access to:- Current inmate roster
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled court dates
-
Mahoning County Records Search
The county's Record Searches page provides free access to various public records databases.
While inspection of records is free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies ($0.25 per page)
- Certified copies ($1.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Records requiring extensive redaction or compilation
- Specialized searches requiring staff assistance
- Background checks through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
- Expedited processing
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), agencies may require prepayment of costs for copies when the total exceeds a specified threshold, currently $10.00 in Mahoning County.
What's Included in a Mahoning County Criminal Record?
Mahoning County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the 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
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer information
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Hearing dates and continuances
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/OVI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The Mahoning County Clerk of Courts maintains the official court records, while arrest and booking information is maintained by the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office.
How Long Does Mahoning County Keep Criminal Records?
Mahoning County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which governs records management for county offices. These schedules vary by record type and severity of offense.
Standard retention periods for criminal records in Mahoning County include:
Felony Case Files:
- Capital offenses: Permanent retention
- First and second-degree felonies: 50 years after final disposition
- Third, fourth, and fifth-degree felonies: 25 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor Case Files:
- First and second-degree misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Third and fourth-degree misdemeanors: 3 years after final disposition
- Minor misdemeanors: 2 years after final disposition
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Retained with case file
- Felony arrests without conviction: 5 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: Retained with case file
- Misdemeanor arrests without conviction: 2 years from date of arrest
Incarceration Records:
- Felony incarceration: 10 years after release
- Misdemeanor incarceration: 5 years after release
Court Dockets and Indexes:
- Permanent retention (microfilm or electronic format)
Probation Records:
- Felony probation: 10 years after completion
- Misdemeanor probation: 5 years after completion
These retention periods may be extended if:
- The case involves ongoing financial obligations
- The case is subject to appeal or post-conviction relief
- The record relates to a registered sex offender
- The record has historical significance
Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by the Mahoning County Records Commission before disposal. Digital conversion of older paper records is ongoing, with priority given to records with permanent retention requirements.
Lookup Criminal Records in Mahoning County
Mahoning County Sheriff's Office inmate information
Mahoning County Sheriff's Office records
Mahoning County public record searches
Mahoning County e-Courts portal