About Brown County
Population
43,000 residents
Established
1818
Municipalities
16 Cities & Towns
Named After
General Jacob Brown
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Under Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, the Ohio Public Records Act, citizens have the right to request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information from any law enforcement agency in Brown County.
- Requests should be submitted in writing to the specific agency that created the records, identifying the records sought with reasonable specificity.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records in Ohio and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office, though some restrictions apply for juvenile arrests.
- Processing times vary, and agencies may charge reasonable copying costs.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about offenders in their area.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The Clerk of Courts office provides in-person case file inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for $1.00 per page plus $1.00 for certification.
- Civil case filings require fees ranging from $175 to $400 depending on case type, while criminal case costs are assessed according to ORC sentencing provisions.
Property & Public Records
- Brown County does not currently offer a free online searchable database of recorded documents, though the office accepts record requests by phone and in-person.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page.
- The Auditor maintains property tax records, conducts the sexennial reappraisal and triennial updates of all real property, and provides property ownership information.
- Real estate transfers require conveyance fees calculated at $3.00 per $1,000 of value.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Birth certificates for events occurring in Brown County can be requested from the state office for $26.50 per certified copy, with additional copies ordered simultaneously costing $20.00 each.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, or same-day service is available at the Columbus office.
- Death certificates cost $26.50 for the first certified copy and $20.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- VitalChek offers online ordering at vitalchek.com for Ohio vital records with expedited shipping options and additional service fees.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The Secretary of State's office, located at 22 North Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, handles business formation filings, annual reports, and registered agent services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Brown County, Ohio?
To search for someone recently arrested in Brown County, Ohio, you can contact the Brown County Jail. The facility provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You may also visit the this jurisdiction Sheriff's Office website for more information on accessing arrest records and inmate details. The jail is located at 750 Mt. Orab Pike, Georgetown, Ohio.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Brown County, Ohio?
Mugshots or booking photos in Brown County, Ohio, can be obtained from the Brown County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these images through their official website or upon request at their office. The Sheriff's Office is located at 750 Mt. Orab Pike, Georgetown, Ohio. It's advisable to contact them directly for information on any online portal availability.
How do I get a criminal background check in Brown County, Ohio?
To obtain a criminal background check in Brown County, Ohio, you can request one through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Locally, you may also contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. The BCI provides fingerprint-based background checks, which can be initiated at authorized WebCheck locations throughout the state.
How can I look up sex offenders in Brown County, Ohio?
You can look up sex offenders in Brown County, Ohio, by accessing the Ohio Sex Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the Ohio Attorney General's Office and provides a searchable online database. You can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location to find registered sex offenders in the area.
How do I register to vote in Brown County, Ohio?
To register to vote in Brown County, you can complete online registration at olvr.ohiosos.gov using your Ohio driver's license or state ID, register in person at the Brown County Board of Elections at 800 Mt. Orab Pike in Georgetown (937-378-3505), or submit a National Mail Voter Registration Form. The deadline to register is 30 days before any election. You can also request an absentee ballot application through the Board of Elections starting 90 days before an election, with Ohio allowing no-excuse absentee voting for all registered voters.
How do I look up property records in Brown County, Ohio?
Property records in Brown County are maintained by the Brown County Recorder's Office at 201 West Grant Avenue, Georgetown (937-378-6716) for deeds, mortgages, and liens, and by the Brown County Auditor at 800 Mt. Orab Pike (937-378-6326) for property tax and ownership information. The county does not currently offer a free online property search database, so records must be requested by phone or in-person during business hours. Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page, while property tax information can be obtained by providing the property address or parcel number to the Auditor's office.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Brown County, Ohio?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Brown County are maintained by the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics in Columbus, not by county offices. Certified copies cost $26.50 for the first copy and $20.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, with processing taking 4-6 weeks by mail. You can order online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for expedited service with additional fees, or apply in person at the state office in Columbus for same-day service. Only qualified applicants (the registrant, immediate family, legal representatives, or those with tangible interest) can obtain birth certificates less than 100 years old or death certificates less than 50 years old under Ohio Revised Code 3705.23.
How do I find business license records in Brown County, Ohio?
Business entity records for corporations and LLCs operating in Brown County can be searched free online through the Ohio Secretary of State's business database at businesssearch.ohiosos.gov. Fictitious name (DBA) registrations for sole proprietors and partnerships are filed with the Brown County Clerk of Courts at 101 South Main Street, Georgetown, though the county does not maintain an online searchable database. For local business licensing information including building permits and zoning, contact the Brown County Building Department at (937) 378-6113, and for professional licenses contact the appropriate Ohio occupational licensing board through the state of Ohio.