Search Free Knox County Records: Crimes, Court Cases & More

Free Knox County Public Records Search
Access Knox County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

Free Knox County public records allow users to access a large amount of information by utilizing the right online tools and official agencies.

A person can discover detailed information about vital documents (marriage and divorce) and prisoner or criminal details (arrest, warrant, probation, court records) through background check reports, as well as property records.

While there are some exceptions to it, users can access these records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

This resource will act as your guide on how to search public records for free and provide you with the required steps and tools to do so in Knox County, Ohio.

How To Run a Knox County Inmate Search & View Mugshots for Free

It is therefore important to know how to begin an inmate search or to look for mugshots for those in Knox County, and which sources to turn to. Starting with the county sheriff’s office will help immensely as it is the most general in its scope of information for several towns, cities, and counties.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office provides for those people who want to get detailed information on recent arrests, inmate lists, and mugshots.1 This resource guarantees adequate and proper search all over Knox County. For an arrest log and mugshot search pertaining to the Knox County Jail, you may request for a search on their website’s arrest record lookup section.

This tool is current with jail records, arrests and other records, ensuring that the users get up-to-date information about such records. In case one cannot use the internet or prefers face to face support, they can try reaching the facility personally or through a phone call.

Knox County Sheriff’s Office
1154 Upper Gilchrist Rd.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-397-3333
Fax: 740-393-5277

When the arrest records that people want to obtain are Knox County public records then the concerned county sheriff’s office or the jail concerned can enlighten or direct the people on how to check public records via forms and/or requests.

This helps to abide by the legal processes and increase the accountability in matters concerning access to information.

Utilize the Knox County Jail’s Arrest Log & Mugshot Search

A person can find information on Knox County bookings by performing an online inmate search.2 This online tool is provided by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, which is responsible for managing individuals arrested in this county.1

A screenshot of the updated bookings from the Knox County Sheriff's Office as of July 24, 2024, displays the offender's mugshot, full name, initial arrest date, and charges.
Source: Knox County Sheriff’s Office2

When a requester performs a search, they can view the offender’s mugshots along with information related to their arrest and incarceration. You can also access the arrestee’s cell information and visitation details.

Review Arrest Details via Police Departments Within Knox County Ohio

In addition to the county sheriff’s office, arrest records are also with individual police departments of various towns and cities of Knox County. Every city or town may have a police department that deals with local enforcement processes and keeps the related public records.

For residents and visitors alike, here are the resources available from the police departments of the top five most populated cities in Knox County:

Mount Vernon Police Department
5 North Gay St.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-397-2222
Email: [email protected]

Danville Police Department
512 South Market St.
Danville, OH 43014

Phone: 740-599-6888
Fax: 740-599-9525
Email: [email protected]

Fredericktown Police Department
182 South Main St.
Fredericktown, OH 43019

Phone: 740-694-9222
Fax: 740-694-9333

Gambier Police Department
115 Meadow Lane
Gambier, Ohio 43022

Phone: (740)397-3333

Centerburg Police Department
49 East Main St.
Centerburg, Ohio 43011

Phone: 740-625-7808

As for the smaller municipalities or towns that are not listed, the user can perform the web search in the following manner – [city name] Knox County arrest records with the recent arrest detail that is relevant to the area. In the case that information is scarce or exclusive one-on-one help is required, direct dialing of the local police department addresses is advisable.

Users must also have to understand that some of the states use resources such as VineLink to access inmate and arrest information. Even if VineLink is useful in some cases, Knox County residents must utilize the links from the sheriff’s office and city police departments first to get the most direct access to Knox County public records.

Through the efficient use of these resources, people can search for inmates within the Knox County detentions and even find someone’s mugshots. Besides, they are able to access arrest records information. All these contribute to the transparency and preservation of rights of the citizens and ensure proper and lawful use of the information for legal, private or professional use.

How To Obtain Free Knox County Ohio Criminal Records

To look up someone’s criminal record, simply navigate through various types of documents, such as charges, probation records, warrants, background check reports, and sex offender registries.

These free criminal record checks offer crucial insights into an individual’s legal history and status.

Find Knox County Criminal Records Through the Clerk of Courts

The Knox County Clerk of Courts serves as a primary custodian of criminal records, providing multiple avenues for accessing information.3  It offers a court records search tool for requesting records via in-person visits, mail, phone calls, or email.4

Knox County Clerk of Courts
117 East High St. Suite 201
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-393-6791
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The records of the Clerk of Courts contain Knox County judicial records, court records, criminal case files, court dates and documents, as well as any other endorsed papers which may be valuable in any legal or private research.

Locate Criminal Records & Cases via the Knox County Common Pleas Court

In regard to the felony cases, the defendant has a record from the Knox County Common Pleas Court which contains a criminal record.5 They are uniformly available for public use unless closed by an order of the court.

A screenshot of the court records search tool offered by the Knox County Clerk of Courts displays the fields under the 'name' tab, including the name, suffix, business name, and birth and death date ranges, along with the selections for case type, status, and party type.
Source: Knox County Clerk of Courts4

By using the court docket search tool, you can find information such as:4

  • Case number
  • Accession number
  • Case title
  • Case type
  • Defendant name
  • Plaintiff name
  • Record group number
  • Record group title

At the lower level, the court offers means to obtain more extensive information about criminal proceedings, thus helping people to grasp legal consequences and past events in some cases. For more information, the user can contact the court by using the details below.

Knox County Common Pleas Court
111 East High St.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-393-6777
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

How To Determine if Someone Has an Arrest Warrant in Knox County Ohio

There are ways to  determine whether there are outstanding arrest warrants, Knox County bookings, etc. The process involves one to search in all the networks of the different organizations, and court records included in Knox County or not.

In Knox County Sheriff’s Office, it is possible to request an online warrant search or to get a list of the warrants existing at present. In cases where information is scarce or one enters a wrong information in the search engine, it is advised to contact the sheriff’s office directly for more elaborated information.

Knox County Sheriff’s Office
1154 Upper Gilchrist Rd.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-397-3333
Fax: 740-393-5277

This resource helps to locate people with outstanding arrest warrants assisting the legal system and community members with self protection measures.

The searcher can also reach out to the city’s police station to broaden their research further.

Mount Vernon Police Department
5 North Gay St.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-397-2222
Email: [email protected]

How To Obtain Probation Information in Knox County Ohio

Probation records involve the Knox County Probate/Juvenile Court that oversees records of people on probation in the present.6 It offers its record search tool, which is divided into: case search, birth record search, and death record search.7

A screenshot from the Knox County Probate/Juvenile Court shows fields under the 'Case Search' tab, including the name or company, case number, and file date, followed by check boxes for search type.
Source: Knox County Probate/Juvenile Court7

The user can search using the defendant’s name or the name of the company involved. The record consists of important details that can be utilized, such as:

  • Defendant’s name
  • Address
  • City/State
  • Attorney details
  • Fiduciary information
  • Case Timeline
  • Reporting Timeline
  • Fines and Costs
  • Transaction details

For additional probation information, the user can contact Knox County Probation/Juvenile Court at the following details below.

Knox County Probation/Juvenile Court
111 East High St. 
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-393-6798
Fax: 740-393-6832
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

How To Perform a Background Check in Knox County Ohio

Background checks consist of a crucial component since it is used to confirm a person’s criminal background, court records and so on which is vital in employment, housing, licensing, and security.

Personal background checks permit individuals to obtain information about other people from records for different purposes including initial meeting with people with whom they have little contact or those people who they see frequently like neighbors or significant other. It arranges concern and safeguard individuality.

Professional background checks are carried out with the purpose of determining the eligibility of an individual to be hired for a job, licensed, rented a house, or to be entrusted with the task of taking care of the vulnerable groups of the society.

How To Access Ohio State & Federal Resources to Find Criminal Case Information

Access to criminal records and cases is vital for various legal and personal purposes. Therefore, a Knox County case search is needed to help people find what they need. Below are a few of the local agencies that can direct you to federal or state public criminal history details in Ohio.

How To Track Down Knox County Court Records

Accessing court records in Knox County involves utilizing various courts that handle specific types of cases.

The Knox County Common Pleas Court deals with the felony’s criminal, civil, and the domestic relationship issues.5 Both web-searched searches and manual searches with a person is possible.

The Knox County Municipal Court deals with misdemeanor criminal and traffic offenses, and civil claims under $5,000.9 Other ways of acquiring records and means of online access are indicated on the website.

The Knox County Probate/Juvenile Court handles cases of probate, and they touch on aspects such as estates, guardianships, as well as marriage licenses. Websites and in-person services are also provided by the resource.

How To Access Vital Records (Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death) in Knox County Ohio

Vital records such as marriage, divorce, birth certificates, and death certificates are essential for legal and professional uses. These records can also be used as a verification of marital status, as well as authentication of identity. Below are the details on how to obtain the following records and any particular limitations.

Search Knox County Marital Records (Marriage, Divorce & Dissolution of Marriage) Through the Clerk of Courts

To check if someone is married or has been divorced, the searcher can utilize the Knox County Clerk of Courts.3

By using this court records search tool, select “Divorce, Annulment, or Legal Sep”(with or without children) under case type option.4 You also need to enter at least the last name of the individual you want to check on. After that, you can view the parties’ information, action type, docket information, financial summary, and case disposition.

Check out the Knox County divorce lookup steps for additional guidance on finding details of dissolved marriages within the county.

A screenshot of sample divorce case information from the record search service of the Knox County Clerk of Courts displays the case number, title, status, action, file date, judge, and party information.
Source: Knox County Clerk of Courts10

You can also print a personal copy in the form of a PDF image as the Clerk of Courts provided.

Knox County Clerk of Courts
117 East High St. Suite 201
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-393-6791
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For a certified copy of marriage, you can obtain it via the Knox County Probate Court.11 The cost of a certified copy will be $3. In case of out-of-town residents, they should mail the request and enclose $3, along with a self addressed, stamped envelope. The address of the court is listed below.

Knox County Probation Court
111 East High St. 
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Phone: 740-393-6798
Email: [email protected]

Look Up Birth & Death Records in Knox County Ohio via the County or State Health Departments

The Knox County Health Department are the ones that hold certificates of birth and certificates of death within the county.12 Both records are available from December 1908 to the present. However, the infants’ records cannot be accessible until 2 weeks of birth date.

For a certified copy of both birth and death records, the cost will be $25 each. You can make payment by cash, debit/credit cards, and money orders. For checks and money orders, make sure that it is payable to ‘Knox Public Health’.

You can also obtain a copy of birth and death certificates via in-person visits. Appointments are no longer required and usually take less than 10 minutes to process. For mail requests, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope, together with a filled-out application for birth or death certified copy and payment payable to ‘Knox Public Health’.

Knox County Health Department
11660 Upper Gilchrist Rd.
Mount Vernon, OH

Phone: (740)392-2200
Fax: (740)392-9613
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

For those who want to access birth records from other Ohio counties, the state’s Department of Health provides an online service that can also be utilized by the residents.13

A screenshot of the online order form for birth certificates taken from the Ohio Department of Health shows a text of instructions followed by the fields to fill, such as the name on the birth certificate, birth date, city and county of birth, gender, life status, and name of the mother.
Source: Ohio Department of Health14

If you are looking for more options, you can request vital records through approved third-party vendors like VitalChek.

How To Access Knox County Property & Tax Records for Free

Public records in Knox County also consist of information about property ownership. A searcher can access these property information by using the Knox County Auditor’s Office.15

This provides a real estate search tool which you can utilize by searching with an owner’s name, location address, parcel number, or legal description.16

A screenshot from the Knox County Auditor lists the property search results, including the parcel ID, name of the owner, and address.
Source: Knox County Auditor16

Once you conduct your search, the results page will provide the following details:

  • Summary – General information such as parcel, number, location address, land use, etc.
  • Owners – Consists of the owner’s name and taxpayer address.
  • Map – It provides a link of the map of the specified property.
  • Valuation – An itemized breakdown of the property’s value.
  • Tax Detail – Provide links to tax information of the property.

For additional questions or inquiries about property records, you can reach out to Knox County Auditor’s Office using the following information below:

Knox County Auditor
117 East High St., Ste. 120
Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Phone: (740)393-6747
Fax: (740)393-6806
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Using Knox County Public Records Responsibly & Understanding Your Rights

Public records are therefore useful in the personal and business aspect of life as they open information that can be useful for decision making. However, everyone should ensure they follow the law and at the same time observe ethically acceptable practices when dealing with Knox County public records to ensure that individuals’ rights are respected and the records will not be exploited.

More than gaining entry to the public records, there is a legal requirement on how the information obtained should be utilized which include engaging in legal compliance, the compliance with FCRA and ban-the-box laws, ethical practice and respect of individual’s rights to privacy.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) mandates that each person has the right to access the information contained in the file and to contest with regard to inaccuracy or incompleteness of data.17 Consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) must also correct or delete information that is furnished to it inaccurately and it cannot report information that is outdated, negative in nature.

The ban-the-box law orders that employers should not include questions about criminal history on the employment application forms.18 They are meant to end discrimination due to criminal records and offer nondiscrimination based on qualification.

If the government insists on getting access to public records for different reasons, which could be personal, professional, or exercising their rights in court, then their practices must meet the regulations, qualify as fair use of information, give the people a chance to correct the records if they find the information is false and show that they will use the records responsibly. The traditional method of information protection not only safeguards one’s rights and self determination but also builds trust and establishes appropriate accountability within the information management sphere.

Procedures in background check include knowledge of the various agencies involved and the possibility of prejudice and discrimination among the populace must not happen.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides remedies for discrimination at the workplace due to the protected classes of the employees, namely color, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability and genetic makeup.19 It also has jurisdiction over credit and criminal records discrimination in employment.

Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) deals with the FCRA regarding credit background checks. This type focuses on fraud connected with background checks, on implementing FCRA rules, and with handling consumer’s data properly.

You are now thoroughly equipped with the resources and tools to conduct a broad search of public records, be it for personal or professional use. Make sure that whatever Knox County public records you access, you utilize them responsibly.


References

1Knox County Sheriff’s Office. (n.d.). Sheriff. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://co.knox.oh.us/sheriff/>

2Knox County Sheriff’s Office. (2024, July 24). Website Inmate Info. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://co.knox.oh.us/sheriffsoffice/images/pdf/jailroster.pdf>

3Knox County Clerk of Courts. (n.d.). Court Records. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://co.knox.oh.us/clerk-of-courts/>

4Knox County Clerk of Courts. (n.d.). Search. CourtView. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://www.clerkofcourts.co.knox.oh.us/eservices/home.page.15>

5Knox County Court of Common Pleas. (n.d.). Common Pleas Court. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://co.knox.oh.us/common-pleas/>

6Knox County Probate/Juvenile Court. (n.d.). Court Staff. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://knoxpjcourt.com/staff.php>

7Knox County Probate/Juvenile Court. (n.d.). Record Search. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://knoxpjcourt.com/recordSearch>

8Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. (n.d.). Offender Search. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch>

9Mount Vernon Municipal Court. (n.d.). Local Court Rules. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://mountvernonmunicipalcourt.org/local-court-rules/>

10Knox County Clerk of Courts. (2006). Case Details. CourtView. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://www.clerkofcourts.co.knox.oh.us/eservices/searchresults.page?x=J0W5V*hsc*K1XatUcnMDXA9l3-ZXRnX8MD8ZgI1Fc-C2vNnCgIKAQr2mM*DW9WOih2mrOhcL0cTKQTkOGfOVKA>

11Knox Public Health. (n.d.). Birth & Death Certificates. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://knoxhealth.com/index.php/public-health-issues2/birth-death-certificates>

12Knox County Probate/Juvenile Court. (n.d.). Marriage Application. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://knoxpjcourt.com/marriageApplication.php?agencyNumber=4203>

13Ohio Department of Health. (n.d.). How to Order Certificates. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/vital-statistics/how-to-order-certificates>

14Ohio Department of Health. (n.d.). Ohio’s Online Certificate Application. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/OrderBirthCertificates/OrderBirthCertificate.aspx>

15Knox County Auditor. (n.d.). Questions & Answers. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://www.knoxcountyauditor.org/site-links/questions-and-answers/>

16Knox County Auditor. (2024). Parcel Results. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1124&LayerID=28285&PageTypeID=3&PageID=11641&Q=1891122425>

17Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0096-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf>

18Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules, Legislative Service Commission. (2016, March 23). Section 9.73 | Public employer inquiries regarding criminal background. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-9.73>

19U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). How to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from <https://www.eeoc.gov/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination>