How to Search Ohio Criminal Records (Start Here)
Ohio criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Ohio state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Clerk of Courts in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Adams County Inmates Official Free
Search for current Adams County, Ohio Sheriff's Office inmates by name or browse the detainee list.
Auglaize County Inmates Official Free
Search this inmate database search provided by the Auglaize County, OhioSheriff's Office.
Highland County Inmates Official Free
Highland County Sheriff Office list of inmates currently incarcerated in the Highland County jail.
Inmates | Death Row Official Free
List of current death row inmates from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Licking County | Inmates Official Free
Current inmate roster, including charges and dispositions, from the Licking County Sheriff's Office.
Logan County Inmates Official Free
Browse this Logan County, Ohio Sheriff's Office list by name for persons currently incarcerated in the Logan County Jail.
Mercer County Inmates Official Free
Browse the list or search by name the Mercer County, Ohio Corrections Department current and released inmate listings. Use Internet Explorer.
Offender Registry Official Free
Registered sex offender and predator search from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Ohio Criminal Histories Official Free
Information from the Ohio Attorney General on how to order an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) criminal history check.
Ohio Inmates Official Free
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections current inmates and released offenders.
Preble County Inmates Official Free
Preble County Sheriff's Office records of persons currently in custody.
Shelby County Inmates Official Free
Browse the Shelby County, Ohio Sheriff's Office jail roster by name for current inmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ohio offer a free criminal history search? ▼
It varies. Some states offer free online criminal name searches through the state police website. Others charge a fee. Check the databases listed on this page for the current options in Ohio.
What is the difference between a criminal history check and a court search? ▼
A criminal history check (through the state repository) shows convictions compiled statewide. A court search (through the Clerk of Courts) shows the actual case file - charges, motions, dispositions, and documents. They serve different purposes.
Are arrest records included? ▼
Not always. Many states only report convictions in their public criminal history databases. Arrests that did not lead to charges or convictions may not appear. Check the specific database's scope.
Are federal criminal cases included? ▼
No. Federal criminal cases are in PACER, not the state system. If someone was charged with a federal crime in Ohio, search the relevant U.S. District Court through PACER.
