Perry County Public Records / Perry County Arrest Records

Perry County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Perry County in 2026

PerryRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Perry County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and court case data through this resource. The following record categories may be available:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal charge information
Court case filings
Mugshot and booking photographs
Bond and custody status

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The sections below outline available methods for locating arrest records.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Perry County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest records for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access the current jail roster and recent arrest information through the Perry County Sheriff's Office. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The New Lexington Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Perry County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be available through the department's records division. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from city police should contact the department directly.

New Lexington Police Department
148 S Main St, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-4010

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Perry County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search case records by name through the Ohio Courts Network or by visiting the Clerk of Courts office in person. Court case numbers, charge information, and case disposition are available through this system.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal background check through the BCI WebCheck program. Fees apply for background check requests, and the standard fee is $22.00 for a standard BCI check. The database includes arrest and conviction records from all Ohio jurisdictions.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Perry County Sheriff's Office
212 S Main St, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Perry County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known information about the arrest, including the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees apply.

Clerk of Court:

Perry County Clerk of Courts
105 N Main St, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Perry County Clerk of Courts

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Perry County Sheriff's Office at 212 S Main St, New Lexington, OH 43764. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and may take several business days.

By Phone:

The Perry County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (740) 342-1022 for general arrest record inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requesters may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest records through formal discovery processes, subpoena, or direct records requests. Detailed investigative materials not available to the general public may be accessible through legal proceedings.

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)
Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)

Are Arrest Records Public in Perry County

Arrest records in Perry County are public records under Ohio law. Pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act, Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all public records maintained by government agencies are open to inspection by any member of the public unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, journalism and research, background screening, and legal proceedings.

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
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Ohio law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Ohio Constitution and § 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code establish the framework for public access to government records. The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently held that transparency in law enforcement activities serves the public interest. Access is balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly for juvenile records and sealed matters.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (with restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (with applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements. Ohio does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law for private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Perry County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (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 applicable)

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Ohio Revised Code statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree, misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation (if applicable)

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, bonded out)
Bond amount set by court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time (if released)
Release conditions (if public)

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment (if available)

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: More detailed incident narratives, subject to separate public records analysis
Court records: Legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screening drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Perry County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Perry County depends on the requesting method and the office providing the records. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public agencies may charge for the actual cost of providing copies but may not charge for inspection of records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.05–$0.10 per page (actual cost)
Certified copies	Varies by office
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
In-person inspection	No charge
BCI Background Check (statewide)	$22.00

Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts is available at no charge during regular business hours.
Copy fees reflect the actual cost of duplication as required by Ohio law.
Certification fees for court records vary and members of the public should confirm current amounts with the Clerk of Courts directly.
Accepted payment methods at the Perry County offices include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in specific circumstances; members of the public should inquire directly with the relevant office.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Perry County

Ohio law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (sealing of the record) and sealing (restricting public access without physical destruction). Under Ohio law, these terms are used interchangeably in practice, with the court ordering records sealed and removed from public access. Physical destruction of records is not the standard remedy; rather, sealed records are removed from public databases and are not accessible to the general public, though law enforcement retains access.

Eligibility for Expungement/Sealing:

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, eligible individuals may petition the court to have arrest records sealed. Eligibility depends on:

The outcome of the case (dismissal, acquittal, or no charges filed generally qualify)
The nature of the offense (certain serious felonies and sex offenses are ineligible)
The waiting period following case resolution
The applicant's prior criminal history

Ohio's 2023 Clean Slate Act expanded eligibility for sealing of records, including certain low-level felonies and misdemeanors after applicable waiting periods.

Steps to Petition for Expungement/Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court case information from the Perry County Clerk of Courts.
Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and case outcome.
File a Petition to Seal Record with the Perry County Court of Common Pleas.
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $50.00 in Ohio for sealing petitions, subject to change).
Attend the scheduled hearing; the prosecutor's office will be notified and may object.
If the court grants the petition, records are sealed at the Clerk of Courts, the Sheriff's Office, and reported to the Ohio BCI for removal from the state repository.

Perry County Court of Common Pleas
105 N Main St, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Perry County Court of Common Pleas

Ohio Attorney General – BCI (for state record updates):
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation

Members of the public seeking expungement are encouraged to consult with a licensed Ohio attorney. The Ohio State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking legal representation.

What Happens After Arrest in Perry County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Perry County, the arrested individual is transported to the Perry County Jail for booking.

Perry County Jail
212 S Main St, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Perry County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Perry County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on volume and circumstances. The steps include:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and mental health screening conducted
Housing classification determined

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 for most offenses. At the initial appearance:

Formal notification of charges is provided
Bond or bail is determined
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Rights are explained

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the judge or magistrate.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: In cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or immigration holds, the court may order the defendant held without bond.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

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 and a court date. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Perry County Public Defender's Office
105 N Main St, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Perry County Public Defender

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any time, and attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Perry County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, or decline prosecution. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine probable cause.

Perry County Prosecutor's Office
105 N Main St, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2885
Perry County Prosecutor

Arraignment follows the charging decision. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year
Ohio's speedy trial statute requires trial within specific timeframes based on offense level

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative
Do not resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent (politely invoke this right)
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone except an attorney
Contact family or friends for bail assistance
Attend all court dates
Follow all bond conditions

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Perry County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Perry County is governed by Ohio law and the Ohio Records Retention Schedule established by the Ohio History Connection and applicable state statutes. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.33, public offices must follow approved retention schedules and may not destroy records outside of those schedules.

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 permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for extended periods depending on the offense
Court records are typically retained permanently in electronic form
Local law enforcement records follow the applicable retention schedule

Dismissed Charges:

May remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged
Court records are often retained permanently but may not appear on standard background checks
Eligible for sealing under Ohio law

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):

Local law enforcement records retained per schedule
Court records often retained permanently
May be sealed upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum period per the Ohio retention schedule
May be eligible for expungement or sealing

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records management systems often retain records permanently or for extended periods beyond the minimum schedule
Physical booking paperwork follows the applicable retention schedule
Mugshot databases may retain images beyond the minimum 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 the same retention requirements as government agencies. These entities are not required to update records when expungement or sealing occurs, though the FCRA imposes accuracy obligations on consumer reporting agencies.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum retention per Ohio schedule, often seven years or longer
Arrest reports: Retained per applicable schedule
Investigative files: Retained based on case outcome and offense severity

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor cases: Retained per Ohio retention schedule, often permanently in electronic form
Traffic cases: Retained per schedule

Ohio BCI (State Repository):

Maintains arrest and conviction records from all Ohio jurisdictions
Retention is governed by state policy; conviction records are retained permanently
Records are updated upon receipt of expungement orders from courts

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention is typically permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain unless expunged; often not reported on standard background checks
Expungement/Sealing: Local records sealed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with notation; third-party websites may not update
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after applicable period; immediate expungement may be available

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible online through the Sheriff's Office and court case search systems. Older arrests may require in-person requests and may involve retrieval from archives with additional processing time and fees. Records predating digitization may exist only in paper form.

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or pursuant to the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained. Records subject to permanent retention—including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, and sex offenses—may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Ohio law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions, though certain municipalities have adopted local fair chance hiring ordinances. Arrests without conviction are treated differently from convictions, and employers in regulated industries should consult applicable licensing requirements.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Perry County Sheriff's Records Division at (740) 342-1022 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.