Stark County Criminal Records
What Is Stark County Criminal Records
Stark County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within the jurisdiction of Stark County, Ohio. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which governs public records in the state. Criminal records document interactions with the criminal justice system, from initial arrest through final disposition of cases.
The primary custodians of criminal records in Stark County include:
Stark County Clerk of Courts
115 Central Plaza North
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7786
Stark County Clerk of Courts
Stark County Sheriff's Office
4500 Atlantic Boulevard NE
Canton, OH 44705
(330) 430-3800
Stark County Sheriff's Office
Criminal records serve multiple purposes within the justice system and broader community:
- They provide documentation of an individual's criminal history
- They assist law enforcement agencies in investigations
- They inform judicial decisions regarding bail, sentencing, and probation
- They facilitate background checks for employment, housing, and licensing
- They enable statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
The creation and maintenance of these records follow strict protocols established by Ohio law to ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper handling of sensitive information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Stark County
Criminal records in Stark County are generally considered public records in accordance with Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be open to public inspection. Members of the public have the legal right to access these records with certain limitations and exceptions.
The following criminal record types are typically available for public access:
- Court dockets and case files from the Stark County Court of Common Pleas
- Arrest records maintained by the Sheriff's Office
- Booking information and mugshots
- Criminal case dispositions
- Sentencing information
However, several categories of information may be exempt from public disclosure:
- Records pertaining to juveniles (under 18 years of age) unless specifically ordered by the court
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 and § 2953.52
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers
- Grand jury proceedings and materials
- Certain victim information, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses
Public access to criminal records supports governmental transparency and accountability while allowing citizens to make informed decisions. The balance between public access and privacy protection is carefully maintained through statutory provisions and judicial oversight.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Stark County in 2025
Stark County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through multiple channels in 2025. The county has implemented enhanced systems to facilitate public access while maintaining record integrity and security. Individuals seeking criminal record information should follow established procedures to ensure efficient service.
In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations:
Stark County Clerk of Courts - Criminal Division
115 Central Plaza North, Suite 101
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7786
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Canton Police Department - Records Division
221 3rd Street SW
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 489-3100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The process for obtaining criminal records typically involves:
- Completing a public records request form with specific case information
- Providing proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Paying applicable fees for copies ($0.25 per page for standard copies as of 2025)
- Allowing processing time (typically 3-5 business days for complex requests)
For expedited service, requestors should provide as much identifying information as possible, including:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Case numbers (if known)
- Approximate date of incident or court proceedings
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection at reasonable times during regular business hours. Requestors should note that high-volume periods may result in longer processing times.
How To Find Criminal Records in Stark County Online?
Stark County provides comprehensive digital access to criminal records through several online platforms. These electronic resources allow for remote searches of public criminal information without requiring physical visits to government offices. Users should be aware that online systems may not contain all historical records, as digitization efforts remain ongoing.
The primary online resources for criminal record searches include:
- Stark County Clerk of Courts - Offers searchable database of criminal cases filed with the Court of Common Pleas
- Canton Police Department Incident Reports - Provides access to recent police reports within Canton city limits
- Stark County Sheriff's Office - Maintains inmate lookup and arrest information
To conduct an effective online search:
- Select the appropriate database based on the type of record needed
- Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range
- Review search results to identify relevant records
- Follow on-screen instructions for viewing or requesting copies
Online searches may be conducted using the following parameters:
- Defendant/offender name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Charge type
- Case status (active/closed)
Users should note that pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-04, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests while still providing essential public information. For comprehensive searches, users may need to utilize multiple databases or supplement online searches with in-person requests.
Can You Search Stark County Criminal Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Stark County criminal records without payment of fees. Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6) establishes that public offices may only charge actual costs for copies of records, not for inspection of records in their original form. This statutory provision ensures that financial constraints do not impede public access to government information.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection of non-confidential criminal records at the Stark County Clerk of Courts during regular business hours
- Basic online searches through the Clerk's public access portal
- Viewing of Stark County Probate Court records through their case search function
- Examination of docket information through the Common Pleas Court website
While inspection is free, fees apply for the following services:
- Printed copies ($0.25 per page as of 2025)
- Certified copies ($1.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Background checks ($25.00 for official reports)
- Expedited processing (varies by department)
Government agencies, law enforcement entities, and certain non-profit organizations may qualify for fee waivers under specific circumstances. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with appropriate documentation of eligibility.
The Stark County Family Court maintains separate policies regarding juvenile records, which have additional restrictions on public access and may involve different fee structures for authorized requestors.
What's Included in a Stark County Criminal Record?
Stark County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 1901.30-1901.31, which establishes standards for court record-keeping. The content and format of these records are designed to provide accurate and complete information while protecting legally confidential material.
Standard criminal records typically include:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, address)
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code citations
- Court appearances and hearing dates
- Plea information
- Verdict or case disposition
- Sentencing details, including incarceration, probation, or fines
- Post-conviction activities such as probation violations
- Court-ordered treatment or programs
Additional documentation may include:
- Arrest reports from the Stark County Sheriff's Office
- Booking photographs
- Witness statements (with potential redactions)
- Evidence inventories
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Probation reports
- Restitution orders and payment history
Criminal records maintained by the Stark County Recorder's Office may contain related property liens or judgments resulting from criminal proceedings. These records are organized chronologically and by case number, with cross-references to related cases when applicable.
Requestors should note that certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain victim details as required by Ohio law.
What Are the Penalties for a Stark County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Stark County is prosecuted under Ohio Revised Code § 2911.21, which defines the offense and establishes penalties. The severity of consequences depends on the specific circumstances of the violation, prior criminal history, and any aggravating factors present in the case. Individuals charged with criminal trespass face potential incarceration, financial penalties, and collateral consequences.
For standard criminal trespass, classified as a fourth-degree misdemeanor:
- Maximum jail sentence of 30 days
- Fines up to $250
- Possible probation or community service
- Court costs and fees (approximately $125-$200)
Aggravated circumstances may elevate charges and penalties:
- Trespass in a habitation when a person is present: first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail, $1,000 fine)
- Trespass with intent to commit a felony: potential felony charges with significantly higher penalties
- Trespass involving a critical infrastructure facility: third-degree felony (9-36 months imprisonment, fines up to $10,000)
Cases are typically processed through:
Stark County Court of Common Pleas
101 W. Tuscarawas Street
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7755
Stark County Court of Common Pleas
Or for misdemeanor cases:
Canton Municipal Court
218 Cleveland Avenue SW
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 489-3203
Defendants may face additional consequences including:
- Creation of a permanent criminal record
- Potential civil liability to property owners
- Negative impact on employment opportunities
- Housing restrictions
- Professional licensing issues
The court may consider mitigating factors such as lack of prior criminal history, absence of damage to property, and willingness to make restitution when determining appropriate penalties.
How Long Does Stark County Keep Criminal Records?
Stark County maintains criminal records in accordance with Ohio's records retention schedules as established by the Ohio History Connection (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. These retention periods vary based on record type, case disposition, and statutory requirements. The preservation of these records serves both administrative needs and historical documentation purposes.
General retention periods for common criminal record types:
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained by the Stark County Clerk of Courts
- Misdemeanor case files: 50 years after case closure
- Minor misdemeanor records: 5 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 25 years for serious violations; 5 years for minor violations
- Arrest records without charges: 2 years from date of arrest
- Investigative files: 5 years after case closure or last activity
- Probation records: 10 years after completion of probation
Exceptions to standard retention include:
- Capital offense records: Permanently maintained
- Sexual offense records: 75 years or permanently, depending on offense level
- Juvenile records: Generally maintained until the individual's 23rd birthday, with exceptions for serious offenses
- Expunged or sealed records: Maintained separately with restricted access pursuant to court order
The Stark County Recorder's Office and other county agencies follow specific schedules for their respective record types. Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, with additional protocols for backup and preservation.
Individuals seeking to limit the duration of their criminal record may petition for record sealing or expungement if they meet eligibility requirements under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31-2953.36. These processes do not destroy records but restrict public access to them.
Lookup Criminal Records in Stark County
Search Stark County court records
Find Canton police reports online
Access Stark County Sheriff's records