Cleveland OH Arrest Records Search | Police & Court
Cleveland, Ohio · Police arrest files, warrants, jail custody and criminal court records
Trace a Cleveland Police Arrest From the Records Desk to the Final Court Disposition
Cleveland arrest information is split among several agencies. The Cleveland Division of Police can provide local arrest-record information and incident reports, Cleveland Municipal Court handles city misdemeanors and felony preliminary proceedings, and felony cases that move forward are transferred to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
This guide shows how to move between those systems without confusing an arrest allegation, jail booking, prosecutor-filed charge and conviction.
CLEVELAND RECORD RELAY
VERIFYING
CLEVELAND POLICE
RECORDS
ARREST
REPORT
COURT
COURT DISPOSITION
OUTCOME FOUND
POLICE → COURT → RESULT
An arrest is not a conviction. A Cleveland Police arrest record describes a law-enforcement event. A jail record describes custody. The court record is where you determine the formal charge and whether the case was dismissed, resolved by plea, tried, sealed or otherwise disposed.
Cleveland has an unusually useful local arrest-record option
The Cleveland Division of Police FAQ states that its Records File Section can provide a local criminal-record check listing felony and misdemeanor arrests. This is different from a court search, a Cuyahoga County Sheriff check and an Ohio BCI fingerprint background check.
Police records
216-623-5352.
Municipal criminal clerk
216-664-4790.
Felony clerk
216-443-7999.
County jail
1215 W. 3rd Street.
County record check
$10 simple Cuyahoga County check.
Choose the Cleveland record that actually answers your question
CLEVELAND POLICE
Was this person arrested by Cleveland Police?
Use the Police Records File Section for the city’s local arrest-record check or request the actual incident/arrest report.
Best source for Cleveland Police arrest history and police-created reports.
MUNICIPAL COURT
What happened to a Cleveland misdemeanor?
Cleveland Municipal Court maintains criminal cases within its jurisdiction and felony cases during the preliminary stage.
Use it for the formal misdemeanor result and early felony record.
COMMON PLEAS
Did the case become a felony prosecution?
Search the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts criminal docket after a felony is transferred to Common Pleas.
Use it for indictment, plea, trial, judgment and felony sentence.
COUNTY JAIL
Is the person currently in custody?
The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Corrections Center maintains booking and jail information.
Jail custody is separate from both the Cleveland Police report and court disposition.
BCI / ODRC
Need a broader Ohio record?
Ohio BCI provides fingerprint-based background checks; ODRC searches current and qualifying past state correctional supervision.
Neither replaces the Cleveland court judgment.Get a Cleveland Police local arrest-record check
Cleveland Police specifically states that its criminal-record check lists felony and misdemeanor arrests.
Cleveland Division of Police – Records File Section
Justice Center, 3rd Floor
1300 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Published walk-in days/hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Public Records: 216-623-5352
Justice Center, 3rd Floor
1300 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Published walk-in days/hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Public Records: 216-623-5352
Decide whether you need a local Cleveland Police arrest check
Use this when the question is specifically whether Cleveland Police has felony or misdemeanor arrest information on the person.
Gather the complete legal name
Avoid searching only a nickname or incomplete name.
Have date of birth available
The Police FAQ lists date of birth as required information.
Follow the Records File Section’s identity requirements
Cleveland Police also lists the person’s Social Security number among the information needed for its local criminal-record check.
Handle sensitive identity information in person
Do not casually send a Social Security number through an unsecured message or unrelated third-party website.
Ask for the Cleveland local criminal-record check
Be clear that you want the Records File Section’s arrest-history check rather than only one incident report.
Save each arrest date and case/report reference
Use those identifiers to locate the court outcome.
Request the actual Cleveland Police arrest or incident report
Cleveland Division of Police – Public Records
Justice Center
1300 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-623-5352
Public-record requests: weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Walk-in service: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Justice Center
1300 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-623-5352
Public-record requests: weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Walk-in service: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Identify whether Cleveland Police created the report
If another agency made the arrest, request that agency’s report instead.
Use the police report or event number when known
This is the strongest way to avoid unrelated same-name incidents.
Add the person’s full name
Include date of birth only where appropriate and necessary for identifying the record.
Add the exact date and incident location
A narrow request usually produces a faster and more accurate result.
Name the record you actually need
Examples include an incident report, arrest report, accident report, 911 record or specifically identified police record.
Ask for electronic delivery where available
This can avoid unnecessary reproduction charges.
Ask for an estimate before a large request
Ohio public offices may charge the actual cost of reproducing records.
Copy-ready Cleveland Police records request
I request an electronic copy of the releasable Cleveland Division of Police incident/arrest report concerning [full legal name] for the incident or arrest on [date] at [location]. The police report or event number is [number] if known. Please identify any reproduction charge before processing a large request and advise if a different public office is the proper custodian.
Know the Cleveland Police copy charges before ordering
| Record format | Published cost | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Paper copy | $0.05 per page | Police reports and other ordinary paper records. |
| 5 × 7 photograph | $1.00 | Photographic public-record reproduction where available. |
| 8 × 10 photograph | $2.00 | Larger photographic reproduction. |
| CD | $2.50 | Electronic files where a CD is used. |
| DVD | $3.50 | Larger electronic/video records. |
| Outside duplication | Actual outside-service charge | Special duplication that cannot be completed in-house. |
The Cleveland Police FAQ separately says copies connected with its local criminal-record check cost five cents per copy. Confirm the exact total at the Records File Section before ordering.
Confirm identity before treating a Cleveland arrest as belonging to someone
Full legal name matches
Date of birth matches
Arrest date is consistent
Police report number matches
Cleveland Police was actually the arresting agency
Municipal Court case belongs to the same event
Common Pleas case matches if felony transferred
Final disposition is from the correct docket
Name-only searches can create serious mistakes. A common name, old address or photograph alone should not be used to identify a person for employment, housing, publication, financial or safety decisions.
No Cleveland arrest record found? Check the system handoff
The arrest was made outside Cleveland
Search the police agency and court serving the actual arrest location.
The person was cited instead of jailed
A Municipal Court case can exist without a Cuyahoga County jail stay.
The felony moved courts
The Cleveland Municipal case may close after preliminary proceedings while a new Common Pleas felony case continues.
The person was released quickly
Current jail information can disappear as a useful search path while the court case remains.
The record is historical
Request Police Records or contact the appropriate clerk instead of relying on a current roster.
The case was sealed or expunged
Public court and police access may be restricted under Ohio law.
The spelling or identity differs
Verify middle name, suffix, birth date and possible aliases.
The data is still processing
A very recent arrest may not yet be fully reflected in every public system.
Missing-record call script
I am trying to locate an arrest or criminal case involving [full legal name], date of birth [DOB], on or about [date]. The Cleveland Police report number is [number] if known. Can you confirm whether the matter is maintained by Cleveland Police, Cleveland Municipal Court, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff or Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court?
Misdemeanor stays municipal; felony can move to Common Pleas
Cleveland Municipal Court
The Criminal/Traffic Division maintains criminal matters decided in Cleveland Municipal Court.
It also processes felony charges from arrest through preliminary hearing before transferring qualifying felony matters to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas
Use the Common Pleas criminal docket after a felony proceeds beyond Cleveland Municipal Court’s preliminary stage.
This is where you follow the felony through arraignment, trial-court assignment, motions, plea or trial, judgment and sentence.
| Situation | Start here | What you are trying to find |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland misdemeanor | Cleveland Municipal Court | Case number, filed charge, judge, docket and disposition. |
| New Cleveland felony arrest | Cleveland Municipal Court | Preliminary proceeding and whether the case was transferred/bound over. |
| Felony transferred to Common Pleas | Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts | Common Pleas criminal case, indictment and final judgment. |
| Current jail custody | Cuyahoga County Sheriff | Booking, housing and release information. |
| State prison after sentencing | Ohio DRC Offender Search | State incarceration or qualifying supervision information. |
Search Cleveland misdemeanor and preliminary felony records
Cleveland Municipal Court – Criminal/Traffic Division
Level Three – Court Tower
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-664-4790
Fax: 216-664-4299
Level Three – Court Tower
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-664-4790
Fax: 216-664-4299
Open Public Access
Read the official disclaimer and select “I Accept.”
Open Cleveland Municipal Court Public Access
Search the defendant’s name or known case number
Use complete identity information to avoid same-name records.
Check case status and charge
Compare it with the Cleveland Police arrest.
Read the docket chronologically
Identify arraignment, bond, motions, hearings, warrant activity and disposition.
For a felony, determine whether the case was transferred
The Municipal Clerk processes felony charges only through the preliminary stage.
Verify important information with the Clerk
The Municipal Court warns that online information may not reflect immediate updates.
The court specifically says online information should be verified when accuracy is important. Verification is available in person at 1200 Ontario Street or through the Clerk at 216-664-4790.
Know where Cleveland criminal first appearances are held
Cleveland Municipal Court publishes separate schedules for misdemeanor arraignments and felony preliminary hearings.
| Case | Published courtroom | Published time |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor arraignment | Courtroom 3-C | 8:30 a.m. |
| Felony preliminary hearing | Courtroom 3-D | 8:30 a.m. |
| Traffic arraignment | 3-B or 3-C depending on docket | 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. depending on assignment |
All published criminal first-appearance locations are on the third floor of the Justice Center, 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland.
Follow a Cleveland felony after it leaves Municipal Court
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts – Criminal Division
Justice Center
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Criminal Division: 216-443-7999
Justice Center
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Criminal Division: 216-443-7999
Open the official Clerk of Courts Case Records Search
Open Cuyahoga County criminal docket
Accept the conditions of use
The system then allows selection of Criminal Search.
Choose Criminal Search by case or name
Use the Common Pleas case number if you already obtained it.
Match the defendant carefully
Compare birth information, filing date and Municipal Court handoff.
Find the indictment or charging document
This shows the felony charges that actually reached Common Pleas.
Read all docket events
Follow arraignment, bond changes, motions, discovery events, plea, trial and sentencing.
Find the final judgment
This is the strongest source for the legal outcome.
Obtain an official copy when proof matters
The Clerk warns that its online system is a convenience and may not contain every filed document.
Do not stop at the Municipal Court felony record. Once a felony moves to Common Pleas, the later Common Pleas case determines the final trial-court outcome.
Translate the court result into plain language
| Entry | General meaning | Do not misstate it as… |
|---|---|---|
| Dismissed | The charge or case was dismissed. | A conviction. |
| Nolle / nolle prosequi | The prosecution declined to proceed on that charge. | A guilty finding. |
| Not guilty | No conviction on that count after the court or jury’s finding. | “Charges were proven.” |
| Guilty / no contest with finding | A conviction may result depending on the court entry. | Describing only the original arrest charge without checking the final offense. |
| Bound over / transferred | The felony matter moved from Municipal Court toward Common Pleas proceedings. | A conviction. |
| Sealed / expunged | Public access is restricted according to the applicable Ohio court order and statute. | Assuming an old private website remains accurate. |
Check a Cleveland warrant through the court or Police Warrant Unit
Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Courts
216-664-4790
Cleveland Division of Police – Warrant Unit
216-623-5336
216-664-4790
Cleveland Division of Police – Warrant Unit
216-623-5336
Search the Municipal Court case first
Look for active case and warrant information.
Open Municipal Court Public Access
Do not rely on an old warrant entry by itself
Later docket activity may show recall, service or another status change.
Call the Clerk for current Cleveland Municipal warrant information
Cleveland Police specifically directs warrant questions to 216-664-4790.
For in-person Police verification, bring valid government ID
The Police FAQ directs people to the Warrant and Suspect Unit inside the Justice Center.
For a county-level warrant, contact the Sheriff
Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Records/Warrant Division: 216-443-6100.
Never confront or attempt to detain another person because an online docket or screenshot appears to show a warrant.
Post Cleveland Municipal Court bond through the correct counter
Cleveland Municipal Court states that criminal/traffic bonds can be posted 24 hours a day.
Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Courts – Criminal/Traffic Division
1200 Ontario Street – 3rd Level
Cleveland, OH 44113
Bond information: 216-664-4790
1200 Ontario Street – 3rd Level
Cleveland, OH 44113
Bond information: 216-664-4790
Call for current bond information
Verify the amount and case before traveling.
Bring proper identification
The Clerk requires photo identification and publishes additional acceptable identity-document guidance.
Use an accepted payment method
The Municipal Clerk currently publishes cash, MasterCard, Visa and Discover as accepted methods.
Do not bring a check
Cleveland Municipal Court states that checks are not accepted for bond.
Keep the receipt
Save the case number, payer information and payment documentation.
Felony Common Pleas bond can change
The Cuyahoga County Public Defender explains that a Common Pleas arraignment judge can continue, increase or set a felony bond. An outstanding warrant in another matter can also prevent release even after bond is posted in the current case.
Find someone jailed after a Cleveland arrest
Cuyahoga County Corrections Center
1215 W. 3rd Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Sheriff general information: 216-443-6000
1215 W. 3rd Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Sheriff general information: 216-443-6000
The Sheriff’s current website directs people to its official Sheriff app for daily jail rosters rather than publishing a traditional browser-based inmate-name search on the Corrections page.
Open the official Inmate Information page
Open Cuyahoga County Inmate Information
Use the official Sheriff’s daily-roster option
Follow the county’s current app instructions rather than an unofficial inmate-search website.
For very recent custody, call the booking desk
Current published booking information numbers include:
216-698-4820,
216-515-8348 and
216-698-6430.
Ask whether the person remains in Cuyahoga County custody
Release or transfer can happen before other systems update.
Return to the court record for the actual legal outcome
A jail release does not mean the prosecution ended.
Use the current Securus visitation system
On-site video
One free 20-minute visit per week.
Remote video
$4 for 25 minutes.
Schedule ahead
Video visits at least 24 hours in advance.
Behind glass
Current access limited to qualifying populations.
Lobby
1215 W. 3rd Street.
| Visit type | Published schedule | Cost / limit |
|---|---|---|
| On-site video | Monday–Friday, morning and afternoon sessions | One free 20-minute session weekly. |
| Remote video | Monday–Friday morning, afternoon and evening; weekend morning and evening sessions | $4 per 25-minute visit; availability applies. |
| Behind-glass in person | Monday–Friday morning and afternoon | No charge; current eligibility restrictions apply. |
The Sheriff’s current registration page publishes morning on-site hours through 11:30 a.m., while an older linked FAQ page displays an 11:00 a.m. cutoff. Use the live Securus scheduling system or confirm with the facility before traveling.
Use the Cuyahoga County jail’s current mail route
Personal mail address effective June 15, 2024
Cuyahoga, OH County Jail
C/O Securus Digital Mail Center
P.O. Box 20407
Tampa, FL 33622
Cuyahoga, OH County Jail
C/O Securus Digital Mail Center
P.O. Box 20407
Tampa, FL 33622
Confirm the inmate remains in Cuyahoga County custody
Do this before mailing anything.
Follow the current Securus Digital Mail format
Improperly addressed mail can be returned or delayed.
Send only material that can be scanned
The Sheriff states that non-paper items and paper exceeding the scanner’s published limits can be returned.
Do not send packages or certified personal mail
Those are returned under the current personal-mail procedure.
Do not send money orders through personal mail
The county’s current digital-mail rules state that money orders are no longer accepted through this mail route.
Legal mail and publications use different handling
They are sent directly to the facility under the current Sheriff’s procedure.
The Sheriff says physical personal mail is digitally scanned for kiosk/tablet viewing and the physical item is destroyed 60 days after upload. Do not send an irreplaceable original.
Understand Cuyahoga County inmate phone rules
Inmate telephones are available daily
Phones are coinless collect phones
No ordinary incoming inmate calls are accepted
No ordinary messages are accepted for inmates
Inmates can buy prepaid calling cards through commissary
Family can establish an advance-connect account through Securus
Attorney privacy: attorneys who need their number treated as privileged are directed to contact the Warden’s Office at 216-443-6125 and provide required attorney-identification information.
Deposit inmate money through Access Corrections
Cuyahoga County Corrections Center Commissary
Justice Center – 1st Floor
1215 W. 3rd Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-698-6244
Justice Center – 1st Floor
1215 W. 3rd Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-698-6244
Confirm the inmate’s current custody first
Do not send funds based on an old arrest article or social-media post.
Use Access Corrections
The Sheriff identifies Access Corrections as its current inmate-money service.
Open Access Corrections
Match the inmate before submitting payment
Stop if identity information does not match.
Review the live provider fee
Provider charges can change and should be checked at checkout.
Keep the receipt
Save the transaction number, amount and inmate information.
Commissary is not bond. Depositing money through Access Corrections does not satisfy a Cleveland Municipal or Common Pleas bond.
Report concerns about medical or mental-health care
MetroHealth provides medical and mental-health care at the Cuyahoga County Corrections Center.
Family concern / MetroHealth Patient Relations:
216-778-5800
216-778-5800
The county says the Patient Relations team will route concerns to the onsite healthcare team. Privacy laws limit what personal medical information staff can disclose to family members.
Use the right Public Defender division for the Cleveland case
Cleveland Municipal misdemeanor
The Public Defender Municipal Division represents qualifying people charged with Cleveland misdemeanors carrying the possibility of jail.
Representation line: 216-443-2190
Cuyahoga felony
The Public Defender Felony Division represents qualifying defendants in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Felony assistance: 216-443-8355
Cuyahoga County Office of the Public Defender
Courthouse Square
310 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
Main: 216-443-7223
Courthouse Square
310 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
Main: 216-443-7223
Determine which court currently has the case
Municipal misdemeanor and Common Pleas felony matters use different Public Defender teams.
For a Municipal misdemeanor, complete the intake request
Open Municipal Public Defender intake
For a felony, call the Felony Division
Have defendant name and Common Pleas case information available.
Do not discuss detailed defense strategy on ordinary jail calls
Use privileged attorney communication.
Get help after filing a Cleveland Police report
City Prosecutor intake
Victims pursuing qualifying Cleveland misdemeanor charges can contact the City Prosecutor after filing the police report.
Phone: 216-664-4850
Witness Victim Service Center
Provides free advocacy for victims of violent crime with cases in Cleveland Municipal Court or Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court.
Phone: 216-443-7345
Witness Victim Service Center / Family Justice Center
75 Erieview Plaza, 5th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-443-7345
Email: WVS@cuyahogacounty.gov
Published intake hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
75 Erieview Plaza, 5th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-443-7345
Email: WVS@cuyahogacounty.gov
Published intake hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Safety planning
Advocates can help victims develop a safety plan.
Court navigation
Help understanding hearings and communicating with justice-system personnel.
Protection orders
Assistance understanding and filing protection-order requests.
Compensation
Help applying to the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Fund.
Resources
Referrals to supportive community services.
Court support
Advocacy during qualifying criminal proceedings.
Do not confuse Cleveland, Cuyahoga and Ohio background checks
| Search | Coverage | Published local cost | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Police local criminal record | Cleveland Police felony and misdemeanor arrests | $0.05 per copy according to Police FAQ | City-specific Cleveland arrest research. |
| Cuyahoga County simple record check | County-level Sheriff’s record check | $10 | Local county record inquiry. |
| Ohio WebCheck / BCI | Ohio fingerprint-based criminal history | $35 at the Cuyahoga Sheriff location | Ohio employment/licensing/background requirement. |
| FBI WebCheck | Federal fingerprint-based check | $35 at the Cuyahoga Sheriff location | When a qualifying national FBI check is required. |
| BCI + FBI | Ohio + federal check | $65 at the Cuyahoga Sheriff location | When both are required. |
Cuyahoga County Sheriff Records/Warrants
Phone: 216-443-6100
Phone: 216-443-6100
WebCheck providers can charge different service prices. The amounts above are the current fees specifically published by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, not a promise that every Ohio WebCheck location charges the same amount.
Use ODRC after a Cleveland case results in state custody or supervision
ODRC Offender Search includes
- People currently incarcerated in Ohio prisons.
- People currently under Department supervision.
- People judicially released.
- Searches by name or offender number.
- County-of-commitment filtering.
ODRC does not replace
- A current Cleveland Police arrest check.
- A Cuyahoga County jail roster.
- A Cleveland Municipal Court misdemeanor record.
- The certified Common Pleas judgment.
- A complete Ohio criminal background check.
Correct the agency that actually controls the wrong information
| Wrong information | Start with | Useful proof |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Police arrest/report detail | Cleveland Division of Police Records | Police report number, ID and specific disputed fact. |
| Municipal misdemeanor disposition | Cleveland Municipal Clerk | Municipal case number and signed court entry. |
| Common Pleas felony disposition | Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts | Common Pleas criminal case number and judgment. |
| Jail/custody information | Cuyahoga County Sheriff | Booking information and controlling court paperwork. |
| Ohio BCI background information | Correct local source first, then BCI as appropriate | Certified disposition or corrected agency record. |
Correction is not record sealing. Correct an arrest record when the information is inaccurate. Use Ohio’s sealing or expungement process when the information is accurate but the law allows public access to be restricted or the record to be expunged.
Check whether a Cleveland arrest or conviction can be sealed or expunged
Ohio’s sealing and expungement statutes changed again effective September 30, 2025. Do not rely on an old “one felony or two misdemeanors” eligibility chart without checking the current Ohio Revised Code.
Sealing
The record continues to exist but ordinary public access is substantially restricted. Ohio law identifies specific government and authorized uses that can still access sealed information.
Expungement
For qualifying records, expungement provides stronger relief. Ohio law directs most record-holding entities to destroy, delete or erase covered records as required by the order, subject to statutory exceptions.
Current conviction waiting periods in Ohio
| Record | Sealing application | Expungement application |
|---|---|---|
| Minor misdemeanor | 6 months after final discharge | 6 months after final discharge |
| Eligible misdemeanor | Generally 1 year after final discharge | Generally 1 year after final discharge |
| Eligible fourth- or fifth-degree felony | Generally 1 year after final discharge | Generally 10 years after the date the record first becomes eligible for sealing |
| Eligible one or two third-degree felonies | Generally 3 years after final discharge | Generally 10 years after the applicable sealing-eligibility date |
Many offenses remain excluded or subject to special rules, including numerous traffic offenses, first- and second-degree felonies, certain offenses of violence, sex offenses, specified domestic-violence offenses and other categories identified in the statute.
Dismissed, not guilty and no-bill records
Ohio Revised Code 2953.33 separately allows qualifying people whose complaint, indictment or information was dismissed, who were found not guilty, or against whom a grand jury returned a no bill to apply for sealing or, where permitted, expungement.
List every Cleveland and Cuyahoga criminal case first
Search both Municipal Court and Common Pleas when a felony passed through both courts.
Find the final disposition for each charge
Do not base eligibility solely on the original Cleveland Police arrest description.
Determine the offense degree and statute
Current eligibility depends heavily on the exact offense.
Find the final-discharge date
For convictions, waiting periods commonly run from final discharge, not merely the arrest or sentencing date.
Check for pending criminal proceedings
Pending cases can affect eligibility.
Use the court that handled the case
Cleveland Municipal cases are filed there; felony Common Pleas matters are handled through Cuyahoga County Common Pleas.
Use current law before paying
Read current Ohio Chapter 2953
Get free eligibility help when appropriate
The Cuyahoga County Public Defender assists qualifying people seeking felony sealing or expungement in Common Pleas Court.
Cuyahoga County Public Defender – Record Sealing / Expungement
Assistance line: 216-443-7580
Assistance line: 216-443-7580
Cleveland Municipal Court’s currently posted criminal-cost schedule lists a $50 motion/application fee to seal or expunge a record. Because that fee schedule shows an older revision date, confirm the current amount with the Criminal/Traffic Division at 216-664-4790 before filing.
Police, jail, court and legal-help contacts
Cleveland Police Public Records
1300 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland Police Warrant Unit
Cleveland Police Non-Emergency
Cleveland Municipal Criminal/Traffic
1200 Ontario Street, Level 3
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cuyahoga County Clerk – Criminal
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cuyahoga County Corrections Center
1215 W. 3rd Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland, OH 44113
Sheriff Records / Warrants
Cuyahoga Public Defender
310 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland, OH 44113
Municipal Public Defender
Felony Public Defender
Witness Victim Service Center
Ohio BCI Background Checks
Cleveland Justice Center / Police Records map
Cleveland Municipal Court map
Cuyahoga County Corrections Center map
What to do next with the Cleveland record you found
| You found… | Do this next | Do not assume… |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Police arrest | Find the Municipal Court case. | The arrest charge became a conviction. |
| Police report only | Search court and jail records separately. | Every report resulted in an arrest. |
| Municipal misdemeanor | Read the Municipal Court disposition. | The initial arrest description is the final offense. |
| Municipal felony preliminary case | Check whether it transferred to Common Pleas. | The Municipal Court file contains the final felony outcome. |
| Common Pleas felony | Read indictment, docket and judgment. | Every indicted count produced a conviction. |
| Current jail custody | Verify charges, bond and court. | Release status equals case disposition. |
| Dismissed / not guilty case | Review current R.C. 2953.33 relief. | The arrest automatically vanished from every database. |
| Eligible conviction | Calculate current sealing/expungement waiting period. | Old Ohio eligibility charts remain current. |
Cleveland OH arrest-record questions answered
How do I search Cleveland OH arrest records?
For a Cleveland Police arrest, start with the Cleveland Division of Police Records File Section or request the police report. Then search Cleveland Municipal Court. If a felony moved to Common Pleas, continue with the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts criminal docket.
Does Cleveland Police provide local arrest-record checks?
Yes. Cleveland Police says its Records File Section can provide a criminal-record check listing Cleveland felony and misdemeanor arrests. The Police FAQ directs requesters to the third floor of 1300 Ontario Street on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
How do I get a Cleveland Police arrest or incident report?
Use the Cleveland Division of Police Public Records process or visit the Public Records unit at 1300 Ontario Street. The published Public Records phone number is 216-623-5352.
How do I search Cleveland Municipal Court criminal records?
Use the court’s official Public Access system. Cleveland Municipal Court maintains misdemeanor cases and processes felony charges from arrest through preliminary hearing before qualifying felony matters transfer to Cuyahoga Common Pleas.
Where do I search Cleveland felony court records?
Use the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts criminal Case Records Search. Search by case number or defendant name and verify important results against the official record.
How do I check for a Cleveland arrest warrant?
Call Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Courts at 216-664-4790 or contact the Cleveland Police Warrant Unit at 216-623-5336. Cleveland Police also directs in-person warrant inquiries to the Warrant and Suspect Unit at the Justice Center with valid government identification.
Does a Cleveland arrest record prove a conviction?
No. An arrest or booking documents allegations and custody. Search the appropriate court for the filed charge and final disposition.
Where do I find someone arrested in Cleveland who is still in jail?
Use Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Corrections and Inmate Information resources. The county currently provides daily jail-roster information through its official Sheriff app and booking information through the Corrections Center booking desk.
How much is a Cleveland or Cuyahoga County criminal-record check?
Cleveland Police currently states that its local criminal-record-check copies cost five cents per copy. Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s simple county record check is currently $10; its published WebCheck fees are $35 for BCI, $35 for FBI and $65 for both.
Can a Cleveland arrest record be sealed or expunged?
Some records qualify under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953. Eligibility depends on disposition, offense, criminal history, waiting periods and statutory exclusions. Use Cleveland Municipal Court for cases filed there and Cuyahoga Common Pleas for qualifying felony matters.
