Have you ever been arrested in the state of Ohio? If so, there’s a good chance that your mugshot was taken and is now part of public record. This can be a major source of stress and embarrassment. Fortunately, understanding Ohio mugshot law can help you take back control of the situation. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of what mugshots are, why they’re important, and how they can be removed from public record in Ohio.
Intended Audience: Individuals who have been charged with a crime in Ohio and their legal representatives
What is A Mugshot?
A mugshot is a photograph taken as part of the booking process for someone who has been arrested. It typically includes a front-facing image alongside other information such as name, date of birth, height, etc. Mugshots are used to document the identity of the person being charged with a crime. They also help law enforcement agencies keep track of criminal activity over time by identifying repeat offenders.
Ohio Mugshot Laws
In Ohio, mugshots are considered public records and are accessible to anyone who requests them through an open records request or via third-party websites like BustedMugshots or MugshotsOnline. The only exception is when the court has ordered to seal or expunge a criminal record. In this case, any related mugshots will also not be viewable by the public.
Removal Of Mugshots From Public Record
In some cases, it may be possible to remove your mugshot from public record in Ohio. The most common way to do this is through expungement or sealing your criminal records, which can erase all traces of your arrest from your permanent record.
To qualify for either option you must meet certain criteria set forth by state law—for example, if you were found not guilty then you may be able to get your records sealed or expunged even sooner than if you pled guilty or no contest to the charge(s).
However, there are many factors that could affect eligibility such as age at time of offense and type of offense committed so it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney before attempting this process on your own.
When Should You Seek Removal Of Your Mugshot?
If you want your arrest removed from public record then it’s best to seek removal as soon as possible after being released from custody or receiving notice that charges have been dropped against you. This will help ensure that potential employers won’t have access to your mugshot when considering hiring decisions and will also limit any needless embarrassment associated with having it seen online by friends and family members alike.
To sum up
Navigating Ohio’s mugshot laws can be tricky but understanding what they are and how they work is essential if you want to protect yourself from future embarrassment due to an unfortunate past incident involving law enforcement officials in Ohio. Being aware that there may be options available such as getting records expunged or sealed if certain criteria is met should also give hope for those wishing for a fresh start free from any lingering evidence left behind by their arrest(s).
That said it’s always recommended that individuals consult with an experienced attorney prior to taking action on their own behalf when dealing with legal matters such as these since mistakes made during this process can end up costing more money down the line if done incorrectly or incompletely—so don’t hesitate in seeking professional advice whenever necessary!
