Criminal records in Trumbull County, Ohio, are accessible through several channels. TrumbullCourt.us allows for quick access to public information on criminal cases. Additionally, the county's official court systems, the Clerk of Courts and the Sheriff's Office, provide access to records—online, in person, or by mail. Below is a practical guide to searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Trumbull
Start with TrumbullCourt.us, where you can view publicly available information on court cases. To search, you typically need to know at least one of the following:
- The person's full name (last name and first name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search through Official Systems
- Trumbull County Clerk of Courts — the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts website has a Public Access Records Search section where Common Pleas court cases are available.
- Inmate Search — the inmate search tool of the Sheriff's Office allows you to check if a person is held in the county correctional facility. Filters enable searching by name or viewing historical records.
- Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) — the Bureau of Criminal Investigation under the State Attorney General maintains a centralized database of criminal histories. A check through BCI is usually required for official background checks.
In-Person Visit
The Common Pleas Court Clerk accepts record search requests during business hours. Public access terminals may be available in the courthouse. Bring identification with you.
Mail Request
A written request can be sent to the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts or the state-level BCI. Include the person's full name, date of birth, and reason for the request. Add payment in the form of a money order.
Search Trumbull Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Ohio, a criminal case number consists of several parts, each conveying specific information. The typical format looks like this:
- Year of Filing — the first two or four digits indicate the year the case was opened.
- Case Type Code — a letter designation of the category: "CR" for criminal cases, "CRB" for misdemeanors in some courts, "TRC" for traffic violations, etc.
- Sequential Number — a numerical sequence assigned chronologically throughout the year.
For example, the number 2024 CR 00345 indicates a criminal case filed in 2024 under sequential number 345. If you know the exact number, enter it in the search field on the clerk's portal—this is the fastest way to find a specific case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Trumbull
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a section of the Ohio Revised Code (e.g., ORC 2913.02 — theft) |
| Degree of Severity | Felony (serious crime, from F1 to F5), Misdemeanor (offense, from M1 to M4 and Minor Misdemeanor) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser one as part of a plea deal |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, and hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are complete, including sentence execution.
Hearings
Arraignment — the defendant's first court appearance where charges are announced. Preliminary hearing is conducted to determine the sufficiency of evidence. Pre-trial — a negotiation stage between parties before trial. Sentencing occurs after a guilty plea or jury verdict. Review hearings are scheduled by the court to monitor compliance with sentence conditions, such as probation.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted as a result of the trial |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal, usually after a jury trial |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not contest the charges but does not formally admit guilt |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Trumbull
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by employers, licensing agencies, and other institutions.
Where to Apply
For Common Pleas court records, the request is submitted to the Clerk of Courts:
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts
For a complete state-level criminal history, contact the BCI through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation of the Ohio Attorney General. A check through BCI requires fingerprinting at a certified location.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office with photo identification. Request a certified copy of the desired document.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number or the person's full name and date of birth. Include a money order for the applicable fees.
- Online — some records can be ordered through the clerk's portal, but certified copies often require an in-person visit or mail request.
For a BCI check, fill out the BCI WebCheck form and undergo fingerprinting. A list of authorized locations is available on the Attorney General's website.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Trumbull
Fees are set according to the Ohio Revised Code and the Clerk of Courts' internal fee schedule. It is recommended to verify exact amounts directly with the clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.05–$0.25 | Depends on the method of obtaining |
| Certification of copy | $1.00–$5.00 per document | Added to the copying cost |
| Criminal history check through BCI (WebCheck) | $22–$32 (state only) / $22–$54 (state + FBI) | Payable at the fingerprinting location |
| Name search at the clerk's office | A small fee may be charged | Check with the court clerk |
Processing Times
- Copies of documents at the clerk's office — usually issued on the day of the visit for in-person requests.
- Mail requests — 5 to 10 business days, depending on the volume of the request.
- BCI WebCheck — electronic request results are received within 3–5 business days; paper requests may take up to 30 days.
Payment is accepted by money order or check; some offices also accept credit cards. Call the Clerk of Courts at (330) 675-2557 to confirm current fees and acceptable payment methods.