Brown County Public Records / Brown County Arrest Records

Brown County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Brown County in 2026

BrownOHRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Brown County, Ohio. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and court case numbers. Information presented reflects publicly accessible data and may not represent the complete official record.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Brown County Sheriff's Office, the Brown County Clerk of Courts, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and online public access terminals. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Brown County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. The roster lists individuals currently in custody, including their name, charges, booking date, and bond status. Members of the public may access the Brown County Sheriff's Office website to view available inmate information. The roster is updated on a regular basis, and historical booking records may be requested through the records division.

2. Local Police Departments

Brown County includes several municipal police departments that maintain their own arrest logs and incident records. The Georgetown Police Department and other local agencies periodically publish press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from a specific municipality should contact the relevant department directly, as online availability varies by agency.

Georgetown Police Department
101 East Grant Street
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-4435

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Brown County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search by an individual's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition. The Brown County Clerk of Courts provides online case search functionality for both the Common Pleas Court and the County Court.

Brown County Clerk of Courts
101 South Main Street
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-3956
Brown County Clerk of Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), a division of the Ohio Attorney General's Office, maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal background check through the Ohio BCI background check portal. Fees apply for civilian background check requests, and the standard fee is currently $22.00 for a BCI check and $15.00 for an FBI check when processed through an authorized WebCheck provider. The state repository includes arrest and conviction data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Brown County Sheriff's Office
750 Mt. Orab Pike
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-4435
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Brown County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies of arrest records are assessed per page in accordance with Ohio public records law.

Clerk of Court:

Brown County Clerk of Courts
101 South Main Street
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-3956
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Brown County Clerk of Courts

Criminal case files may be inspected at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page, and certified copies carry an additional certification fee.

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted to the Brown County Sheriff's Office at 750 Mt. Orab Pike, Georgetown, OH 45121. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requester's contact information. Payment for copies should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Members of the public may contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office at (937) 378-4435 for general arrest information. Phone inquiries provide limited information, and callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of detailed records in civil or criminal proceedings. Discovery processes in active criminal cases provide defense counsel access to arrest-related documentation through the prosecuting attorney's office.

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)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff, Georgetown PD, or other municipal agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Brown County

Arrest records in Brown County are public records under Ohio law. Pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act, Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all public records are presumed open to inspection and copying unless a specific exception applies. Arrest records serve the public interest by promoting government transparency, enabling community awareness of law enforcement activity, supporting journalism and academic research, facilitating background screening, and providing documentation for 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 including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Ohio law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are protected from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Ohio Constitution and Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to 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 companies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Ohio does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have enacted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Brown 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 such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, or other)
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 or 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, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if released
Release conditions if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Common Pleas Court or County Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records analysis
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

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

Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public agencies may charge only the actual cost of making copies of public records. Inspection of records at the office is free of charge. The following fee structure reflects current standard rates:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (black and white)	$0.05–$0.10 per page (actual cost)
Certified copies (Clerk of Courts)	$1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
Electronic copies (where available)	Actual cost of transmission media
BCI criminal history check (state)	$22.00 per request
FBI criminal history check (state)	$15.00 per request (through WebCheck)
Jail roster inspection	No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Brown County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public inspecting records in person are not charged an inspection fee. Fees may vary slightly between the Sheriff's Office and individual municipal police departments. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where the request serves a clear public interest, at the discretion of the records custodian.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Brown County

Ohio law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (sealing of the record) and, in limited circumstances, the sealing of records by court order. Under Ohio law, "expungement" and "sealing" are used interchangeably in most contexts, with the practical effect being that the record is sealed from public view rather than physically destroyed in all instances.

Eligibility for Sealing/Expungement:

Ohio's expungement statute, Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, governs the sealing of conviction records and records of arrests that did not result in conviction. Individuals may be eligible to petition for sealing if:

Charges were dismissed
The individual was found not guilty at trial
No charges were filed following arrest
The individual completed a diversion program
A conviction meets the eligibility criteria under current Ohio law (waiting periods apply based on offense type)

Certain offenses are not eligible for sealing, including most violent felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and offenses against children.

Steps to Petition for Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Brown County Clerk of Courts
Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and waiting period under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
Complete the Application to Seal Record of Conviction or Bail Forfeiture (available from the Clerk of Courts)
File the application with the Brown County Common Pleas Court or the appropriate County Court
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $50.00 for sealing applications in Ohio Common Pleas Courts)
Attend the scheduled hearing; the prosecutor's office will be notified and may object
If the court grants the application, the record is sealed and removed from public access

Brown County Common Pleas Court
101 South Main Street
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-3956
Brown County Clerk of Courts

Brown County Public Defender's Office
101 South Main Street, Suite 2
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-6716

Members of the public seeking assistance with the sealing process may contact the Brown County Public Defender's Office to determine eligibility. The Ohio Attorney General's Office also provides general information about the expungement process through the Ohio Attorney General's website.

What Happens After Arrest in Brown County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Brown County, the arrested individual is transported to the Brown County Jail for booking. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Brown County Jail
750 Mt. Orab Pike
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-4435
Brown County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Brown County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on volume. 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, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and appoints counsel if the individual is indigent and cannot afford an attorney.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount in Ohio.

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

No Bond: The court may order the individual held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

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 takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written court date, and conditions of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned housing within the jail.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Brown County Public Defender's Office
101 South Main Street, Suite 2
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-6716

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income. Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit clients at the jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

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

Brown County Prosecutor's Office
800 Mt. Orab Pike, Suite 1
Georgetown, OH 45121
Phone: (937) 378-3473
Brown County Prosecutor's Office

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and 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 scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or pretrial intervention), plea agreements, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs.

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 depending on complexity
Ohio's speedy trial statute requires trial within 30 days for misdemeanors and 270 days for felonies under Ohio Revised Code § 2945.71

Rights Throughout 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 with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent politely and clearly
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Brown County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Brown County is governed by Ohio law and the policies of the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board. The Ohio Records Retention Schedule establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Individual agencies may retain records longer than the minimum required period.

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 individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts for court records
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years under standard Ohio retention schedules
State repository retains records permanently

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of three to five years
Court records may be retained permanently unless sealed
May remain in databases unless the individual obtains a sealing order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records often retained permanently
Local law enforcement records retained per standard schedule
Eligible for sealing under Ohio law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum of three years
May be eligible for sealing or administrative removal upon request

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are often retained permanently. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable Ohio retention schedule. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are typically retained for three to five years.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not required to update records when a sealing order is issued, though the FCRA requires accuracy in consumer reporting. Individuals who obtain a sealing order may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Brown County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records retained permanently
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Contact: (937) 378-4435

Brown County Clerk of Courts:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Permanent
Contact: (937) 378-3956

Ohio BCI State Repository:

Maintains arrest and conviction records from all Ohio jurisdictions
Retention: Permanent for most records
Ohio BCI criminal records information

FBI Database:

NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records permanently
Accessible to law enforcement nationwide
Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federal purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the individual obtains a sealing order. Following a court-ordered sealing, local law enforcement and the Clerk of Courts update their records, and Ohio BCI is notified. The FBI database may retain a notation of the sealing. Removal from third-party commercial databases is not automatic.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Ohio does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute. Arrests without conviction may not be reported on consumer background checks under FCRA guidelines, though this varies by reporting agency practice.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Brown County Sheriff's Records Division at (937) 378-4435 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.