Search Montgomery County Criminal Records
Montgomery County criminal records are available through the Public Records Online (PRO) System, which covers the Municipal Court, Common Pleas Court, Domestic Relations Court, and the Second District Court of Appeals. The county seat is Dayton. The Clerk of Courts runs the PRO System, giving free access to case info, docket entries, and scanned documents. The Dayton Municipal Court handles misdemeanor cases. The Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records and booking data. Montgomery County is one of the largest counties in Ohio, and its criminal records system is extensive.
Montgomery County Overview
Montgomery County PRO System Criminal Records
The Montgomery County Clerk of Courts runs the Public Records Online (PRO) System. This is the main tool for searching criminal records in the county. The system covers Municipal Court, General Division Common Pleas Court, Domestic Relations Common Pleas Court, and Second District Court of Appeals cases.
The PRO System below is the main search portal for Montgomery County criminal records, court cases, and scanned documents.
You can search by party name, case number, or case type. Criminal case results include docket entries and imaged documents for major case events. Every document is scanned if it was not filed electronically. The system is free to use. Documents normally become available 48 to 72 hours after filing. Some documents are concealed from internet viewing for privacy reasons, but every document can be viewed in person at the Clerk's office. Court records are public unless a court determines otherwise.
Copies cost $0.10 per page in Montgomery County, which is cheaper than most Ohio counties. Certified copies are $1.00 per page, signed by a Deputy Clerk with an embossed seal. Authenticated copies cost $5.00 and come triple sealed with both the Judge's and Clerk's signatures. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card (credit cards at Municipal Court only).
The Montgomery County Records Request page provides details on how to submit formal records requests.
The records request page explains the process for getting copies of criminal case files, whether you need standard, certified, or authenticated copies.
| Office | Montgomery County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Website | mcclerkofcourts.org |
| Copy Fee | $0.10/page regular, $1.00/page certified |
| Authenticated | $5.00 per document |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Dayton Municipal Court Criminal Cases
The Dayton Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil cases under $15,000 for Dayton and surrounding areas in Montgomery County. The court has its own case search through the PRO System.
Below is a screenshot of the Dayton Municipal Court website where you can search for criminal and traffic case records in Montgomery County.
Municipal court records include traffic tickets, DUI cases, minor drug offenses, theft, assault, and disorderly conduct charges. Kettering residents whose cases fall under the Dayton Municipal Court's jurisdiction can also find their records through this system. Preliminary hearings for felony charges start here before cases move to Common Pleas. All municipal court records are part of the broader Montgomery County criminal records system.
Montgomery County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement and runs the county jail. The office keeps arrest records, incident reports, and booking data for the Dayton area and unincorporated parts of the county.
Public records requests can be submitted in person or by mail. Under ORC 149.43, the Sheriff must respond promptly. Active investigation files may be held back until the case closes. For state prison inmates from Montgomery County, the ODRC Offender Search covers the statewide prison database.
Note: Montgomery County is one of Ohio's largest counties; the PRO System is the most efficient way to search criminal records without visiting the courthouse.
Public Access to Montgomery County Criminal Records
Court records in Montgomery County are public unless a court says otherwise. Every document gets scanned if not filed electronically. Some documents are hidden from internet viewing for privacy, but all are available for in-person viewing at the Clerk's office.
Records sealed under ORC 2953.32 are not available to the public. Eligible offenders can petition the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas to seal their criminal records. The filing fee is $50 plus local costs. Juvenile records are sealed by law. Social Security numbers and medical data are always redacted.
The BCI handles formal background checks through WebCheck fingerprinting. Under ORC 109.572, many employers in Montgomery County must use this process. The Ohio Clerk of Courts Association lists all 88 county clerks for cross-county criminal record searches in Ohio.
How to Search Montgomery County Criminal Records
The PRO System at mcclerkofcourts.org is the main way to search Montgomery County criminal records online. It is free. Search by party name, case number, or case type. Results include docket entries and scanned document images. Documents usually appear 48 to 72 hours after filing.
For in-person visits, go to the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours. Every document on file can be viewed in person, including those concealed from the internet for privacy reasons. Copies are $0.10 per page, which is lower than most Ohio counties. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. Credit cards work at the Municipal Court only. For arrest records, contact the Sheriff's Office directly. The Dayton Municipal Court website also has case search tools for misdemeanor and traffic records in the Dayton area. Kettering residents can also use the PRO System to search for cases that went through the Montgomery County court system.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Montgomery County. If you need criminal records from a neighboring area, select a county below.