Trumbull County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Trumbull County
Arrest records in Trumbull County, Ohio are considered public records under the Ohio Public Records Act, specifically 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 Public Records Act operates under the presumption of openness, meaning records are considered public unless specifically exempted by law.
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. An arrest alone does not indicate guilt.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through a legal proceeding, either by trial verdict or plea.
Under Ohio law, both arrest and conviction records are generally public, though certain exceptions exist. The Ohio Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public records access through its Sunshine Laws Manual, which clarifies that law enforcement records, including arrest records, are subject to public disclosure with limited exceptions.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), certain information may be redacted from arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical information
- Information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
- Confidential investigatory records that might interfere with ongoing investigations
The Ohio Department of Public Safety maintains standards for law enforcement records management throughout the state, including those in Trumbull County.
What's in Trumbull County Arrest Records
Trumbull County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records are maintained by the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office and may include the following components:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- 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 severity (degree)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
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 (items in possession at time of arrest)
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
- Housing location if incarcerated
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment scores
- Special custody considerations
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Trumbull County and the circumstances of the arrest. Records are maintained in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which governs records retention for local government entities.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Trumbull County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Trumbull County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in place for obtaining arrest records:
- Visit the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office in person:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification
- Specify the records being requested with as much detail as possible
- Pay applicable fees for copies (typically $0.05 per page)
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office
150 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2508
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office
-
Submit a written request:
- Mail a detailed written request to the Sheriff's Office
- Include name, date of birth, and any other identifying information of the subject
- Provide your contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
-
Contact the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts:
- For arrest records that have resulted in court cases
- Request records by case number or defendant name
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
161 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2557
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
- Submit a request to the arresting agency:
- If the arrest was made by a municipal police department, contact that department directly
- Complete their specific public records request form
- Provide identification and pay any applicable fees
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare and make available public records for inspection upon request during regular business hours. The law requires that copies of public records be made available within a reasonable period of time.
When requesting arrest records, it is advisable to provide as much specific information as possible, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Arresting agency (if known)
How To Find Trumbull County Arrest Records Online
Trumbull County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are available:
-
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Visit the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review current inmate information and recent booking data
-
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Online Portal:
- Access the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts website
- Select "Case Information" or "Records Search"
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
-
Ohio Courts Network (OCN):
- Visit the Ohio Courts Network
- Create an account if required
- Search for cases by name or case number
- Access court records from multiple jurisdictions, including Trumbull County
-
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search:
- For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison
- Visit the ODRC Offender Search
- Enter the individual's name or inmate number
- View current status and location information
When using online systems, users should be aware that:
- Not all arrest records may be available online
- Some information may be redacted in accordance with Ohio law
- Older records may not be digitized
- Some systems may require registration or payment for access
- Information should be verified through official channels
The Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6) permits public offices to adopt policies that allow for transmission of public records via electronic means, including through the internet.
How To Search Trumbull County Arrest Records for Free?
Residents and interested parties can access Trumbull County arrest records without cost through several available channels. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:
- In-person inspection at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request to inspect specific arrest records
- No fee is charged for viewing records (copying fees may apply)
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office
150 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2508
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office
-
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office website:
- Access the free Inmate Search function
- Search by name to view current inmates and recent bookings
- Information typically includes charges and booking dates
-
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Public Access:
- Use the free public access terminal at the Clerk's office
- Search court cases related to arrests
- View docket information, charges, and case status
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
161 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2557
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
- Public Library Resources:
- Visit the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library
- Use public computers to access online court records
- Request assistance from reference librarians if needed
Warren-Trumbull County Public Library
444 Mahoning Avenue NW
Warren, OH 44483
(330) 399-8807
Warren-Trumbull County Public Library
- Local Newspaper Archives:
- Access the Tribune Chronicle archives
- Search for published arrest reports and police blotters
- Available online or at the public library
Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must make records available for inspection at no cost during regular business hours. While inspection is free, public offices may charge for the actual cost of making copies. The law prohibits charging for the cost of employee time to respond to requests.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Trumbull County
In Trumbull County, as throughout Ohio, arrest records cannot be deleted in the traditional sense, but they may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. These legal processes restrict public access to records rather than physically destroying them. The distinction between these options is important:
-
Record Sealing (also called "sealing of record of conviction" or "sealing of record of not guilty finding/dismissed charges"): Makes records inaccessible to the general public but still available to law enforcement agencies and certain employers.
-
Expungement: A more complete removal of records that generally makes them inaccessible even to law enforcement, though some limited exceptions exist.
Ohio's record sealing and expungement processes are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.61.
Eligibility requirements for sealing records in Trumbull County include:
For convictions:
- Completion of all terms of sentence, including probation and payment of fines
- For misdemeanors: One year after final discharge
- For felonies: Three years after final discharge
- No more than two misdemeanor convictions, or one felony and one misdemeanor conviction
- No pending criminal charges
- The offense must be eligible (certain offenses, particularly violent or sexual offenses, are ineligible)
For dismissed charges or not guilty findings:
- Immediate eligibility upon dismissal or acquittal
- No waiting period required
The process for sealing records in Trumbull County involves:
- Filing an application with the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
- Paying the filing fee (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available)
- Attending a hearing before a judge
- If approved, the court will issue an order to seal records
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
161 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2557
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
For juvenile records, a separate process exists under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.356, which generally provides broader eligibility for sealing and expungement.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended when seeking to seal or expunge records. The Trumbull County Bar Association or Community Legal Aid may provide referrals or assistance.
Trumbull County Bar Association
120 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2586
Trumbull County Bar Association
What Happens After Arrest in Trumbull County?
Following an arrest in Trumbull County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases:
-
Booking Process:
- Transportation to the Trumbull County Jail or local police station
- Collection of personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Placement in holding cell or general population
-
Initial Appearance/Arraignment:
- Typically occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- Formal reading of charges
- Advisement of constitutional rights
- Determination of counsel (appointment of public defender if eligible)
- Setting of bail or bond
- Entry of initial plea
-
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Preliminary hearing (for felonies) to establish probable cause
- Grand jury review for felony cases
- Discovery process where evidence is shared between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial conferences to discuss possible plea agreements
- Filing of motions (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
-
Case Resolution:
- Plea bargaining (negotiated resolution)
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion programs for eligible cases
-
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation
- Victim impact statements
- Sentencing hearing
- Imposition of penalties (incarceration, probation, fines, community service)
-
Post-Conviction:
- Appeal process if applicable
- Probation supervision
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Payment of fines and restitution
- Completion of court-ordered programs
Throughout this process, cases are handled by the following key agencies:
Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas
161 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2557
Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas
Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office
160 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2426
Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office
Trumbull County Public Defender's Office
320 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2585
Trumbull County Public Defender
The criminal justice process in Trumbull County operates under the procedural requirements established in the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure and relevant sections of the Ohio Revised Code.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Trumbull County?
Arrest records in Trumbull County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which governs records retention for local government entities. The specific retention periods vary based on the type of record and its disposition:
For law enforcement agencies:
- Arrest reports for felonies: Permanently maintained
- Arrest reports for misdemeanors: Maintained for 5 years after case closure
- Arrest logs and booking information: Maintained for 25 years
- Investigation files: Maintained for 5 years after case closure for misdemeanors, 20 years for felonies
- Fingerprint cards: Permanently maintained
For court records:
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor case files: Maintained for 5 years after case closure
- Traffic case files: Maintained for 3 years after case closure
- Juvenile case files: Maintained until the individual's 21st birthday or longer for serious offenses
The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, establishes records retention schedules that must be followed by county agencies.
Different agencies within Trumbull County may maintain separate copies of arrest records:
- Trumbull County Sheriff's Office
- Municipal police departments
- Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office
- Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
- Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Records retention serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis
- Preserves historical information
Even after the official retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in various databases, private background check companies, and news archives. This underscores the importance of the record sealing and expungement processes for eligible individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest history.
How to Find Mugshots in Trumbull County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically show the front and side view of an arrestee's face and upper body. In Trumbull County, as in most jurisdictions, mugshots serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are considered part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Trumbull County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office
150 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2508
Trumbull County Sheriff's Office
Local police departments within Trumbull County also maintain mugshots for arrests they process. These photographs become part of the official arrest record and may be shared with other law enforcement agencies through various databases.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Trumbull County have several options:
-
Sheriff's Office Website:
- The Trumbull County Sheriff's Office may publish recent booking photos on their website
- Navigate to the inmate roster or recent arrests section
- Search by name or booking date
-
Public Records Request:
- Submit a written public records request to the arresting agency
- Include the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Specify that you are requesting the booking photograph
- Pay any applicable copying fees
-
Clerk of Courts:
- For cases that have proceeded to court, mugshots may be included in the court file
- Request to view the case file at the Clerk of Courts office
- Note that not all court files will contain mugshots
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
161 High Street NW
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2557
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
Can They Be Found Online
Some mugshots from Trumbull County may be available online through:
- The Trumbull County Sheriff's Office website (for current inmates)
- Local newspaper websites that publish arrest reports
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public sources
It is important to note that online availability of mugshots varies and may not be comprehensive or current. Additionally, some third-party websites that publish mugshots may charge fees for removal, a practice that has been criticized and is subject to legal restrictions in some states.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining an official mugshot is through a formal public records request to the arresting agency. Under the Ohio Public Records Act, mugshots are generally considered public records and must be provided upon request, subject to certain exceptions.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally public records in Ohio, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (under 18): Records and photographs are generally not public
- Sealed or expunged records: Mugshots associated with these records are not accessible
- Ongoing investigations: Mugshots may be temporarily withheld if release would impede an active investigation
- Privacy concerns: In rare cases, courts may restrict access if release would create a significant privacy violation
Individuals concerned about their mugshots being publicly available should consult with an attorney about the possibility of sealing or expunging their records if eligible under Ohio law.