Criminal records of Scioto County, Ohio, are available through several channels. SciotoCourt.us allows for quick access to public information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Courts. Each of these resources covers different types of data—from current cases to archived conviction records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Scioto
Start your search by determining what specific information you need—data on a specific case, a criminal history check, or inmate status.
Online Search
- SciotoCourt.us — enter the person's first and last name to view publicly available information on criminal cases in the county.
- Ohio Supreme Court — the Ohio Courts portal provides access to case searches statewide. A full name or case number is required for the search.
- ODRC Inmate Search — the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction allows searching for individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities by last name or county of conviction.
- Portsmouth Police Department — the police records division is responsible for maintaining and issuing police reports. Phone: (740) 354-1311.
In-Person Visit
The Scioto County Common Pleas Court Clerk provides access to criminal records directly at the courthouse. Public terminals allow for on-site case viewing. Bring identification with you.
Written Request
To obtain an official criminal history, send a written request to the court clerk or to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) of the Ohio Attorney General. BCI is the official custodian of the state's criminal records. A request to BCI requires fingerprints and a completed WebCheck form.
You will need:
- The person's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (for specific case search)
Search Scioto Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Ohio is assigned a unique number upon registration. The case number format in Scioto County typically looks like this:
- Year of filing — the first four digits (e.g., 2024)
- Case type — a letter code indicating the category: CR (criminal case in common pleas court), CRB (criminal case in municipal court), TRC (traffic crime)
- Sequential number — a numerical sequence within the year
Example: 2024 CR 00152 indicates a criminal case filed in the common pleas court in 2024 with sequential number 152. Knowing the exact case number allows you to find it much faster than by last name—especially if the name is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Scioto
A criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of them.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Ohio Revised Code under which charges are filed |
| Severity Level | Felony from 1st to 5th degree, misdemeanor from 1st to 4th degree, or minor misdemeanor |
| Amended Charges | The prosecution may amend the initial charge to a lesser one as part of a plea agreement |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is in the active review stage
- Disposed — the court has made a decision on the case
- Closed — all procedures are complete, and the case is closed
Court Hearings
A typical criminal case involves several stages: arraignment (first presentation of charges before a judge), preliminary hearing (preliminary hearing to determine sufficiency of evidence), pre-trial (pre-trial conference), trial (court process), and sentencing (sentencing). The court may also schedule a review hearing to check compliance with probation conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty after trial |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not contest the charges but does not formally admit guilt |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration by the court or jury |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Scioto
Certified copies of criminal records are required for employment, licensing, or court procedures. There are two main ways to obtain them.
Scioto County Court Clerk
The clerk issues certified copies of documents from court cases—indictments, sentences, orders. Submit a request in person or by mail. You need to have photo identification with you.
Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
To obtain a complete criminal history of a person within the state, contact the BCI at the Ohio Attorney General. The procedure requires electronic fingerprinting through the WebCheck system at a certified location. Results are received within a few business days.
Records that have been sealed or expunged under section 2953.32 of the Ohio Revised Code will not appear in standard search results. The right to public access to records is governed by section 149.43 (Public Records Act).
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Scioto
The cost depends on the type of request and the processing institution.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.05–$0.10 | Same day |
| Certification of copy | $1.00 per document | Same day or 1–3 business days by mail |
| Criminal history check via BCI (WebCheck) | $22–$32 (depending on level of check — state or state + FBI) | 3–5 business days |
| Police report (Portsmouth PD) | Depends on document volume | Typically 1–5 business days |
Exact clerk fees are set according to court-approved rates. Before submitting a request by mail, call the clerk's office at (740) 355-8243 to confirm the current cost and acceptable payment forms. BCI accepts payment through certified WebCheck points—cash, card, or money order, depending on the specific point.