Madison County Public Records / Madison County Arrest Records

Madison County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Madison County in 2026

MadisonCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Madison County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, criminal charges, bond information, and court case filings. Information presented reflects what has been reported by law enforcement agencies and may not reflect final case outcomes.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Madison County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online search tools maintained by state and county agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the active inmate list, which includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond information. The roster is updated regularly and reflects current custody status. The Madison County Sheriff's Office provides this information through its official website.

2. Local Police Departments

The London Police Department, which serves the county seat, publishes arrest-related press releases and maintains records accessible through public records requests. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal departments may submit a written request to the relevant city police department. The London Police Department serves the primary municipality within Madison County.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Madison County Clerk of Courts maintains a searchable case database that allows members of the public to locate criminal court cases associated with an arrest. Searching by the arrestee's name returns associated case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case disposition. The Madison County Clerk of Courts provides online access to this case information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal background check through the Ohio BCI, which includes arrest and conviction records from jurisdictions across Ohio. A standard fee applies for civilian background check requests, currently set at $22.00 for a standard BCI check submitted through a WebCheck provider.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Madison County Sheriff's Office
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-1212
Madison County Sheriff's Office

The records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building. Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Standard copy fees apply per page.

Police Departments:

London Police Department
20 S. Walnut Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-9245
London Police Department

Records requests at the London Police Department are processed through the records division. Members of the public should submit a written request identifying the subject by full name and date of birth. Fees for copies are assessed per page in accordance with Ohio public records law.

Clerk of Court:

Madison County Clerk of Courts
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-9776
Madison County Clerk of Courts

The criminal records division maintains case files associated with arrests processed through the Madison County court system. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Copy fees are assessed per page.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Madison County Sheriff's Office should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Mail requests should be directed to the Madison County Sheriff's Office at 1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140. Processing time varies based on request volume.

By Phone:

Members of the public may contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (740) 852-1212 for general arrest information. 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 requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest records through formal discovery processes in pending criminal matters. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

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's Office, London PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Madison County

Arrest records in Madison County are public records under Ohio law. Pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act, Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, records maintained by public offices, including law enforcement agencies, are presumed open to inspection by any member of the public unless a specific exception applies. This framework reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability.

Arrest records serve several recognized public interests:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement actions
Public safety awareness within the community
Journalism and investigative reporting
Academic and policy research
Background screening for employment and licensing purposes
Legal proceedings and defense preparation

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Ohio law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358
Expunged or sealed arrest records following a court order
Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in applicable cases
Witness protection participant information

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Ohio's public records framework is grounded in both statutory law and the state constitution. The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently held that the public's right of access to government records must be broadly construed, with exceptions interpreted narrowly. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing laws
Professional licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Ohio does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have enacted local ordinances. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest alone does not establish guilt.

What's in Madison County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, whether the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Ohio State Highway Patrol
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Ohio Revised Code statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications
Felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints, which are collected but not included in standard public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the subject is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
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 Madison County?

Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public offices may charge only the actual cost of providing copies of public records. Fees may not be assessed for inspection of records at the office.

Standard Fee Structure:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (black and white)	$0.05–$0.10 per page (actual cost)
Certified copies	Varies by office
Electronic copies (where available)	Actual cost of duplication
Inspection of records	No charge
BCI criminal history check (state)	$22.00 per request

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Money order (mail requests)
Check payable to the applicable agency (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (accepted at some offices)

Fee Waiver Provisions:

Ohio law does not mandate fee waivers for public records requests. However, where records are provided in electronic format at no additional cost to the agency, fees may be minimal or waived at the discretion of the public office.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inspection of the jail roster through the Sheriff's Office website
Online case search through the Clerk of Courts website
In-person inspection of records at the relevant office

How To Delete Arrest Records in Madison County

Ohio law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the sealing of the record from public view, and in limited circumstances, the physical destruction of records. Under Ohio law, "expungement" and "sealing" are used interchangeably in most contexts, with sealed records removed from public access while retained by law enforcement for limited purposes.

Eligibility for Sealing or 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. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the applicant's criminal history.

Circumstances under which a record may be sealed include:

Arrest with no charges filed
Charges dismissed by the prosecutor or the court
Acquittal at trial
Conviction of certain eligible offenses after the applicable waiting period
Successful completion of a diversion program

Certain offenses are not eligible for sealing, including most first- and second-degree felonies, offenses involving violence, sex offenses requiring registration, and offenses against minors.

Steps to Petition for Sealing:

Obtain the case number and full case details from the Madison County Clerk of Courts
Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and case outcome
File an Application to Seal Record of Conviction or Bail Forfeiture with the Madison County Court of Common Pleas
Pay the applicable filing fee
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the prosecutor may object
If the court grants the petition, the record is sealed and removed from public access

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Madison County Court of Common Pleas
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-9776
Madison County Court of Common Pleas

Madison County Public Defender's Office
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-2972
Madison County Public Defender

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office for expungement proceedings. The Ohio Legal Help website also provides self-help resources for individuals navigating the sealing process without an attorney.

What Happens After Arrest in Madison County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Madison County, the arrested individual is transported to the Madison County Jail, located at 1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Madison County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Ohio law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in most circumstances within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court:

Formally notifies the defendant of the charges
Appoints a public defender if the defendant is indigent
Sets bond or bail
Advises the defendant of their rights

Initial appearances in Madison County may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Madison County Clerk of Courts. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant may engage a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the total bond amount under standard practice. The Ohio Department of Insurance maintains a list of licensed bail bond agents.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The court may release a defendant on a personal recognizance bond based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk. No monetary payment is required.

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

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the Madison County Pretrial Services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the release process takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody at the Madison County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Madison County Public Defender's Office
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-2972
Madison County Public Defender

Eligibility for public defender representation is based on financial need. Defendants may also retain private counsel, who may visit the jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

The Madison County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. For felony offenses, the prosecutor may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets subsequent hearing dates. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve time for case review and negotiation.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial before a jury or judge.

Sentencing (if convicted):

Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 24 to 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felony cases: May extend six months to over one year
Ohio's constitutional speedy trial provisions require trial within specific timeframes based on the degree of the offense

Important Contacts:

Madison County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-1212
Madison County Sheriff's Office

Madison County Clerk of Courts
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-9776
Madison County Clerk of Courts

Madison County Prosecutor's Office
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-2321
Madison County Prosecutor

Madison County Public Defender's Office
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-2972
Madison County Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Madison County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Madison County is governed by Ohio law and the records retention schedules established by the Ohio Historical Society and the Auditor of State. Public offices are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records outside of that framework.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions: Felony conviction records are retained permanently by the Madison County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts and the state criminal history repository. Local law enforcement agencies retain arrest records associated with misdemeanor convictions for a minimum period established by the applicable retention schedule.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges: Records of arrests where charges were dismissed remain in local law enforcement databases and court records unless the subject successfully petitions for sealing under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32. Court records of dismissed cases are retained according to the applicable schedule and may remain accessible unless sealed.

Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal at trial are retained in court records, which are maintained permanently in electronic form. These records may be sealed upon petition.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a period established by the local retention schedule. These records are among the most readily eligible for sealing or expungement.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable Ohio records retention schedule. Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense.

Digital Records: Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are retained according to approved schedules, with many categories maintained permanently in electronic form. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party vendors are not subject to the same retention requirements as official government records.

Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when a case is dismissed or sealed. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework are not subject to the same obligations.

Retention by Agency:

Madison County Sheriff's Office
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-1212
Madison County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Ohio records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and outcome of the case.

Madison County Clerk of Courts
1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-9776
Madison County Clerk of Courts

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained according to the applicable schedule. Electronic records are maintained permanently in the court's case management system.

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (State Repository)
1560 State Route 56 SW, London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 845-2000
Ohio BCI

The Ohio BCI maintains the state's central criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions in Ohio. Retention at the state level follows policies established by the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

FBI Database: The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Ohio law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless sealed; not always reported on standard background checks
Expungement/Sealing: Local records sealed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation; third-party websites may not update
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period; eligible for sealing in most circumstances

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for positions with annual compensation below a specified threshold. Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the compensation threshold. Ohio does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests without conviction are not reportable under the FCRA after seven years for covered positions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Madison County Sheriff's Records Division at (740) 852-1212 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.