Ohio — Statute

Dissemination of Confidential Information From Sealed Records by Law Enforcement Officers or Agencies | Ohio Title 29 - Crimes and Procedure | Ohio Law

Ohio ORC 2953.59 limits law enforcement from sharing sealed case records, ensuring confidentiality after court orders to seal records are issued.

Legal Content

Dissemination of Confidential Information From Sealed Records by Law Enforcement Officers or Agencies

Ohio — Ohio Title 29 - Crimes and Procedure

Summary

Ohio law ORC 2953.59 restricts law enforcement officers and agencies from disseminating or discussing sealed case records and reports, except under specific circumstances. Once a court orders records to be sealed, officers must deliver their investigatory work product to their agency and cannot share it with unauthorized persons. Agencies must also restrict access to these records to only their employees, maintaining confidentiality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ohio ORC 2953.59 prohibit law enforcement officers from doing?

It prohibits officers from knowingly releasing, disseminating, or discussing sealed case records and reports with anyone not employed by their agency after a court orders the records to be sealed.

When must law enforcement deliver records to their agency under this law?

Officers must deliver their investigatory work product to their agency immediately upon the court issuing an order to seal the records.

Can law enforcement agencies share sealed records with the public?

No, agencies are required to close sealed records to all persons not directly employed by the agency, maintaining confidentiality.

Are there any exceptions to these restrictions?

Yes, exceptions are provided in Chapter 2950 of the Ohio Revised Code, which may specify circumstances under which records can be disclosed.

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In simple terms: Ohio ORC 2953.59 limits law enforcement from sharing sealed case records, ensuring confidentiality after court orders to seal records are issued.. This means people must follow this rule, and breaking it can lead to criminal penalties.

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