How to Request a Public Record
It is the policy of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office that government records are the people's records, and that we are merely trustees for the people.
What are Public Records?
For purposes of the Public Records Laws, the
Ohio Revised Code defines records as including any document, device, or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic, including e-mail and other electronic records, created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of this Office that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. All records of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office meeting this definition are public unless they are specifically exempt from disclosure under Ohio law or federal law.
It is the policy of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office that, as required by Ohio law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are available for inspection and copying in accordance with the Ohio Public Records Law. Record retention schedules shall also be made readily available to the public. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office’s Public Information Officer has been designated as the person to whom requests for public records should be directed.
Records requests for criminal cases cannot be honored or completed until after sentencing or acquittal.
How We Handle Public Records Requests
Each request for public records is evaluated for a response using the following guidelines:
- Identification of the records: You do not need to put your records request in writing, so long as you adequately explain what is requested. You do, however, need to provide contact information if you wish to be notified when your request is complete. You do not have to identify yourself to request a public record (you may remain anonymous.)
- Timeline: We make every effort to fulfill your records request in a prompt manner. The more specific you are when requesting public records, the quicker we can process your request. The number of documents you request, where the documents are located and whether they need to undergo a legal review will also affect how long it takes to complete your request. Some documents may be redacted to remove information, such as a person's social security number, that is not public record.
- Denial of requested records: Some records requests cannot be fulfilled. For example, records requests for criminal cases cannot be fulfilled until after the file is closed. If we deny your request, we will provide an explanation, citing legal authority for denying your request. In some cases, we will be able to fulfill some parts of your request, but other parts may not be part of the public record. If this is the case, the exempt portions will be redacted and the rest will be released to you.
Charges for Public Records and Mailing
A cost of four cents for page for paper copies and $1.00 for compact disk of files may be assessed. There is no charge for emailing documents. If you have provided a phone number or email address where we can reach you, we will notify you of any charges when we alert you that your record is ready for pick-up or mailing. If you wish for records to be mailed, a cost for postage and shipping materials may be assessed. Payment is due in advance and can be made with a check or cash. We do not accept debit or credit cards.
How to Request Public Records
You may submit a records request using the form below.
Other ways to request records: Contact our office by telephone at (216) 443-7800, by email at
info@prosecutor.cuyahogacounty.us or in person during business hours at our office (location and business hours available
here). You are not required to identify yourself, nor to put your request in writing. If you have questions about requesting public records, or would like to check on the status of a public records request, please contact the Public Information Officer at (216) 698-3532.