logo
ColumbianaRecords.us
Search Public Records
Columbiana Public Records /Columbiana County Criminal Records

Columbiana County Criminal Records

What Is Columbiana County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Columbiana 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, each with different legal implications:

  • Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual has been taken into custody by law enforcement but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, document when an individual has been found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea agreement.

  • Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment of more than one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.

  • Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358 and accessible only under limited circumstances.

  • Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Columbiana County:

Columbiana County Sheriff's Office
8473 County Home Road
Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 424-7255
Columbiana County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.

Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas
105 South Market Street
Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 424-9516
Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas

The Court maintains case files, dispositions, and sentencing records.

Columbiana County Prosecutor's Office
105 South Market Street
Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 420-0140
Columbiana County Prosecutor

The Prosecutor's Office maintains records related to criminal prosecutions.

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1560 State Route 56 SW
London, OH 43140
(740) 845-2000
Bureau of Criminal Investigation

BCI maintains statewide criminal history information.

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Columbiana County.

Are Criminal Records Public In Columbiana County

Criminal records in Columbiana County are generally considered public records under Ohio law. The Ohio Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, establishes the legal framework governing access to these records. The statute explicitly states that "all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours."

The Ohio Public Records Act defines public records as "records kept by any public office, including, but not limited to, state, county, city, village, township, and school district units." This definition encompasses most criminal records maintained by Columbiana County agencies.

Records that are generally accessible to the public include:

  • Adult arrest records
  • Court proceedings and case files
  • Conviction records
  • Sentencing information
  • Incarceration records
  • Sex offender registry information

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

  • Ongoing criminal investigations (temporarily exempt until investigation concludes)
  • Records sealed by court order pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
  • Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
  • Records containing confidential informant information
  • Records that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
  • Grand jury proceedings

The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access criminal records, noting in State ex rel. Beacon Journal Publishing Co. v. Akron that "the Public Records Act is construed liberally in favor of broad access, and any doubt is resolved in favor of disclosure of public records."

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Columbiana County should be aware that while most records are accessible, certain statutory exemptions exist to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and juvenile offenders. Agencies may redact exempt information from otherwise public records before releasing them.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Columbiana County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Columbiana County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.

For in-person requests at the Columbiana County Courthouse:

  1. Visit the Columbiana County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM).
  2. Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought (case number, defendant name, date range).
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
  4. Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies).
  5. Records are typically provided immediately for simple requests or within 3-5 business days for more complex searches.

Columbiana County Clerk of Courts
105 South Market Street
Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 424-9516
Columbiana County Clerk of Courts

For criminal records maintained by law enforcement:

  1. Contact the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
  2. Submit a completed records request form (available on the Sheriff's website).
  3. Include specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, case number if known).
  4. Pay applicable fees ($5.00 for local background checks).
  5. Allow 5-7 business days for processing.

For comprehensive statewide criminal history information:

  1. Submit a request to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
  2. Complete the required BCI background check request form.
  3. Provide fingerprints through an authorized WebCheck location.
  4. Pay the required fee ($22 for Ohio-only checks, $34 for FBI checks).
  5. Results are typically provided within 30 days.

For written requests by mail:

  1. Address request to the appropriate agency (Clerk of Courts, Sheriff's Office, or Prosecutor's Office).
  2. Include specific details about the records sought.
  3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
  4. Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
  5. Allow 10-14 business days for processing.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), agencies must provide records "promptly" upon request. While the law does not specify an exact timeframe, most routine requests are fulfilled within 10 business days.

How To Find Criminal Records in Columbiana County Online?

Columbiana County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of information may vary by system.

The primary online resources include:

  1. Columbiana County Clerk of Courts Public Access System

    • Available at: https://www.ccclerk.org/records-search/
    • Search parameters: Name, case number, filing date
    • Contains: Criminal case filings, charges, hearing dates, dispositions, sentencing information
    • Cost: Free basic search; $1.00 per page for document downloads
    • Registration: Not required for basic searches; account creation needed for document access
    • Updated: Daily by 5:00 PM

  2. Columbiana County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup

    • Available at: http://sheriff.columbiana.oh.gov/inmate-search
    • Search parameters: Name, booking date
    • Contains: Current inmates, booking photos, charges, bond information
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: Not required
    • Updated: Every 4 hours

  3. Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search

    • Available at: https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch
    • Search parameters: Name, inmate number, county of conviction
    • Contains: Current and former state prisoners, offense information, sentence details, release dates
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: Not required
    • Updated: Daily

  4. Ohio Attorney General's Sex Offender Registry

    • Available at: https://www.icrimewatch.net/index.php?AgencyID=55149
    • Search parameters: Name, address, zip code, compliance status
    • Contains: Registered sex offenders in Columbiana County, offense information, residence information
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: Not required
    • Updated: As registrations change

  5. Ohio Courts Network Public Access

    • Available at: https://www.ohiocourts.gov/public-access
    • Search parameters: Name, case number, attorney
    • Contains: Statewide case information from participating courts
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: Required
    • Updated: Varies by court

Users should note that certain records remain unavailable online, including:

  • Sealed or expunged records
  • Juvenile records
  • Records with confidential information
  • Pre-2000 records (which may require in-person requests)

When conducting online searches, users should provide as much identifying information as possible to ensure accurate results. Common names may return multiple records, requiring additional verification through date of birth or case numbers.

Can You Search Columbiana County Criminal Records for Free?

Columbiana County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, in accordance with Ohio law. The Ohio Public Records Act establishes that "a public office or person responsible for public records shall make copies of the requested public record available at cost." While inspection of records is free, reproduction costs may apply.

Free in-person inspection is available at the following locations:

Columbiana County Clerk of Courts
105 South Market Street
Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 424-9516
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Columbiana County Sheriff's Office
8473 County Home Road
Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 424-7255
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Columbiana County Law Library
105 South Market Street, 2nd Floor
Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 424-7777
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Free online resources include:

  1. Columbiana County Clerk of Courts Public Access System

  2. Columbiana County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup

  3. Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search

  4. Ohio Attorney General's Sex Offender Registry

While inspection is free, fees may apply for:

  • Printed copies ($0.25 per page standard)
  • Certified copies ($1.00 per page)
  • Background checks ($5.00 for local checks)
  • Extensive research requiring staff time
  • Expedited processing
  • Mailing costs

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), agencies may require prepayment of costs for copies exceeding $25.00. Fee waivers are not explicitly provided for in Ohio law but may be granted at the discretion of the records custodian.

The Columbiana County Clerk of Courts accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and major credit cards for any applicable fees. The Sheriff's Office currently accepts cash, check, and money order only.

What's Included in a Columbiana County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Columbiana County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information.

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Gender, race, and ethnicity
  • Height, weight, hair color, eye color
  • Distinguishing features (tattoos, scars, marks)
  • Last known address
  • State Identification Number (SID)
  • FBI number (if applicable)
  • Fingerprint classification
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Information:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer
  • Location of arrest
  • Booking number
  • Charges filed at arrest
  • Statutory citations
  • Bail/bond amount and status
  • Detention facility information
  • Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

  • Court case number
  • Court of jurisdiction (Municipal Court or Court of Common Pleas)
  • Filing date
  • Charges filed by prosecutor
  • Statutory citations and offense levels (felony/misdemeanor classification)
  • Plea information
  • Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
  • Judge assigned
  • Hearing dates and continuances
  • Pre-trial motions and rulings

Disposition Information:

  • Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
  • Conviction date
  • Sentencing details:
    • Incarceration length
    • Probation terms
    • Fines and court costs
    • Restitution ordered
    • Community service requirements
    • Treatment program mandates
  • Appeal information (if applicable)
  • Probation/parole status and violations
  • Completion of sentence

Additional Information:

  • Active warrants
  • Protection orders/restraining orders
  • Sex offender registration requirements
  • Habitual offender designations
  • DUI/OVI history
  • Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
  • Pending charges in other jurisdictions
  • Probation/parole status

Criminal records maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation also include a Computerized Criminal History (CCH) that compiles information from multiple jurisdictions throughout Ohio.

It should be noted that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, sealed records are not included in publicly accessible criminal records. Additionally, juvenile records are generally not included in adult criminal records unless the juvenile was bound over to adult court.

How Long Does Columbiana County Keep Criminal Records?

Columbiana County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Ohio law. The Ohio Revised Code § 149.39 authorizes county records commissions to establish retention periods for various public records, including criminal records.

The retention periods for criminal records in Columbiana County vary by document type and severity of offense:

Felony Case Files:

  • Capital offenses: Permanent retention
  • First and second-degree felonies: 50 years after case closure
  • Third-degree felonies: 25 years after case closure
  • Fourth and fifth-degree felonies: 20 years after case closure

Misdemeanor Case Files:

  • First-degree misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
  • Second-degree misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
  • Minor misdemeanors: 3 years after case closure
  • Traffic offenses: 3 years after case closure

Arrest Records:

  • Felony arrests resulting in conviction: 50 years
  • Felony arrests not resulting in conviction: 5 years
  • Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: 5 years
  • Misdemeanor arrests not resulting in conviction: 2 years

Incarceration Records:

  • County jail records: 10 years after release
  • Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
  • Visitor logs: 3 years

Court Records:

  • Dockets: Permanent retention
  • Judgment entries: Permanent retention
  • Sentencing orders: Permanent retention
  • Court transcripts: 10 years after final appeal
  • Evidence logs: 5 years after case closure

Specialized Records:

  • Sex offender registration: Lifetime for Tier III offenders
  • Domestic violence protection orders: 5 years after expiration
  • Probation records: 10 years after completion

The Columbiana County Records Commission reviews retention schedules annually in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 149-1-01. Records scheduled for destruction undergo a review process to ensure compliance with retention requirements.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The county has implemented a digital records management system that maintains electronic records according to the established retention schedule.

It should be noted that even after county-level records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, criminal history information may still be maintained at the state level by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which maintains records for longer periods.

Lookup Criminal Records in Columbiana County

Columbiana County Sheriff's Office

Columbiana County Prosecutor

Bureau of Criminal Investigation

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search

Ohio Attorney General Background Check Services

Other Categories in Ohio
Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records