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Who Do You Contact For Public Records In Ohio?

In Ohio, the Ohio Open Records Law provides access to government records, including public records held by state agencies, boards, commissions, and departments. To obtain public records in Ohio, you need to make a request to the public office that maintains the records you seek. Typically, public records requests are made to the specific agency, department or board that holds the record you seek. The Ohio Attorney General’s office suggests that you contact the appropriate public office's Public Information Officer (PIO) to obtain the public record you want. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office provides information on their website to help individuals looking for public records in Ohio. The website also provides guidelines for fees charged for copies of requested public records. If your request is denied or unacknowledged, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's office. You may also file a lawsuit against the agency in question in Ohio State court. Ohio also has a Sunshine Laws Handbook that provides additional guidance on the statewide enforcement of the Ohio Open Records Law. If you have questions on how to access public records in Ohio, you can consult with legal resources, like the Ohio State Bar Association, or private entities specialized in public records searches.

What Records Are Public In Ohio?

Ohio's public records are governed by the Ohio Revised Code 149.43. The law defines public records as "any document, device or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic, including an electronic record, created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of any public office of the state or its political subdivisions, which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office." This means that most records created or received by a public office are considered public records, with some exceptions. Some of the records that are generally available to the public in Ohio include: 1. Court records: court opinions, dockets, and filings are open to the public unless they are confidential by rule of law or court order; 2. Vital records: birth and death records are generally not considered public records in Ohio, although some older records may be released; 3. Government contracts: all public contracts and agreements are considered public records under Ohio law; 4. Meeting minutes: minutes of public meetings, including city councils, county commissions, and school boards, are generally considered public records; 5. Criminal records: criminal history records maintained by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) are considered public records, and may be accessed by individuals who meet certain requirements; 6. Property records: property records maintained by local government offices, including deeds, mortgages, and tax records, are generally considered public records; 7. Campaign finance records: all records related to campaign finances are considered public records, including candidate financial disclosure reports and records of political action committees. It is important to note that not all records are considered public records under Ohio law. Records that contain information that would violate personal privacy, records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations, and records related to trade secrets are typically exempt from disclosure. Overall, Ohio has relatively strong public records laws that generally support transparency in government. Citizens and media outlets have the right to request access to public records, and public agencies are required to provide access unless an exemption applies.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In Ohio?

In Ohio, updating or changing public records can be a complex process. The first step is to identify the specific agency that is responsible for maintaining the record in question. The agency in charge will depend on the type of record you are seeking to change or update. Once the appropriate agency is identified, you will need to submit a written request explaining your desired changes. The agency will review your request and determine if it is appropriate to approve your changes. If the request is approved, the agency will update the record and provide you with a copy of the revised record. If your request is denied, you may need to appeal the decision to a higher authority. In many cases, you may need to file a lawsuit to compel the agency to make the changes you are seeking. It is recommended that you consult an attorney if you are considering legal action. It is also important to note that some records, such as criminal records, can only be changed through the court system. This process may require working with an attorney to file a legal petition to have the record expunged or amended. Overall, changing public records in Ohio can be a challenging process. It is important to be patient and to follow the necessary steps to ensure your request is processed correctly.

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Contact Ohio Public Officials:

Representative Office Address Links
Image of Mike DeWine The  Governor of Ohio

Representative

Mike DeWine

Office

Governor of Ohio

Address

77 South High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Jon Husted The  Lieutenant Governor of Ohio

Representative

Jon Husted

Office

Lieutenant Governor of Ohio

Address

77 South High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Frank LaRose The  OH Secretary of State

Representative

Frank LaRose

Office

OH Secretary of State

Address

22 North 4th Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Brandon Kern The  OH State Board of Education Member

Representative

Brandon Kern

Office

OH State Board of Education Member

Address

25 S. Front Street Mail Stop 103 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Jim Mermis The  OH State Board of Education Member

Representative

Jim Mermis

Office

OH State Board of Education Member

Address

25 S. Front Street Mail Stop 103 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

Red Globe
Contact
Image of Mark Lamoncha The  OH State Board of Education Member

Representative

Mark Lamoncha

Office

OH State Board of Education Member

Address

25 S. Front Street Mail Stop 103 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Martha Manchester The  OH State Board of Education Member

Representative

Martha Manchester

Office

OH State Board of Education Member

Address

25 S. Front Street Mail Stop 103 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Melissa "Missy" Bedell The  OH State Board of Education Member

Representative

Melissa "Missy" Bedell

Office

OH State Board of Education Member

Address

25 S. Front Street Mail Stop 103 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

Red Globe
Contact
Image of Paul LaRue The  OH State Board of Education Member

Representative

Paul LaRue

Office

OH State Board of Education Member

Address

25 S. Front Street Mail Stop 103 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Sue Hackett The  OH State Board of Education Member

Representative

Sue Hackett

Office

OH State Board of Education Member

Address

25 S. Front Street Mail Stop 103 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Walt Davis The  OH State Board of Education Member

Representative

Walt Davis

Office

OH State Board of Education Member

Address

25 S. Front Street Mail Stop 103 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Dave Yost The  OH State Attorney General

Representative

Dave Yost

Office

OH State Attorney General

Address

30 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Keith Faber The  OH State Auditor

Representative

Keith Faber

Office

OH State Auditor

Address

88 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Robert Sprague The  OH State Treasurer

Representative

Robert Sprague

Office

OH State Treasurer

Address

30 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Jennifer Brunner The  OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Representative

Jennifer Brunner

Office

OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Address

65 South Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Joseph T. Deters The  OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Representative

Joseph T. Deters

Office

OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Address

65 South Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Melody J. Stewart The  OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Representative

Melody J. Stewart

Office

OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Address

65 South Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Michael P. Donnelly The  OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Representative

Michael P. Donnelly

Office

OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Address

65 South Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Patrick F. Fischer The  OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Representative

Patrick F. Fischer

Office

OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Address

65 South Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of R. Patrick DeWine The  OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Representative

R. Patrick DeWine

Office

OH State Supreme Court Associate Justice

Address

65 South Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact
Image of Sharon L. Kennedy The  OH State Supreme Court Chief Justice

Representative

Sharon L. Kennedy

Office

OH State Supreme Court Chief Justice

Address

65 South Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215

Links

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Contact

Contact Ohio Court Houses

Map Of Ohio Highlighting Geauga County

Geauga County Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile and Probate Divisions

Address: Geauga County Courthouse Annex 231 Main St, Suite 200 Chardon, OH 44024
Phone: 440-279-1830
Fax: 440-285-8751
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Cuyahoga County

Bedford Municipal Court

Address: 165 Center Rd Bedford, OH 44146
Phone: 440-232-3420
Fax: 440-232-2510
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Wayne County

Wayne County Municipal Court

Address: Wayne County Municipal Courthouse 215 N Grant St Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: 330-287-5651
Fax: 330-264-5700

Contact Ohio Sheriffs Offices

Map Of Ohio Highlighting Geauga County

Geauga County Sheriff's Office

Address: 12450 Merritt Rd, Chardon, OH 44024
Phone: (440) 286-1234
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office

Address: 12100 Snow Rd Suite 15, Parma, OH 44130
Phone: (216) 443-5587
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Wayne County

Wayne County Sheriff's Office

Address: 201 W North St, Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: (330) 287-5750

Contact Ohio Prisons

Map Of Ohio Highlighting Columbiana County

Federal Correctional Institution, Elkton

Address: 8730 SCROGGS ROAD LISBON, OH 44432
Phone: 330-420-6200
Fax: 330-420-6436

Contact Ohio Jails

Map Of Ohio Highlighting Geauga County

Geauga County Jail

Address: 12450 Merritt Road Chardon, OH 44024
Phone: 440-279-2009 ext. 4411
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Cuyahoga County

Lakewood City Jail

Address: 12650 Detroit Avenue Lakewood, OH 44107
Phone: 440-786-3254
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Wayne County

Wayne County Jail

Contact Ohio Clerks Offices

Map Of Ohio Highlighting Geauga County

Geauga County Clerk's Office

Phone: 1 440-279-1960
Address: 100 Short Court Street Suite 300 Chardon, Ohio 44024
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Cuyahoga County

Brook Park Clerk of Courts

Phone: 1 216-443-7950
Address: 1200 Ontario St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Wayne County

Wayne County Clerk's Office

Phone: 1 330-287-5590
Address: 107 W Liberty St, Wooster, OH 44691

Contact Ohio Recorders Offices

Map Of Ohio Highlighting Geauga County

Geauga County Recorder of Deeds

Phone: 440-279-2020
Address: 231 Main Street Chardon, Ohio, 44024
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County Recorder's Office

Phone: 216-443-7010
Address: 2079 East 9th Street Cleveland, Ohio, 44115
Map Of Ohio Highlighting Wayne County

Wayne County Recorder of Deeds

Phone: 330-287-5460
Address: 428 West Liberty Street Wooster, Ohio, 44691

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