Woodward Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Woodward, Oklahoma?
Arrest records in Woodward, Oklahoma are considered public information pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. §§ 24A.1-24A.32). This legislation establishes that records created by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to citizens and news media, except where specific statutory exemptions apply. The public availability of these records serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Oklahoma Open Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public documents, allowing citizens to access information regarding arrests made by the Woodward Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within Woodward County. However, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in § 24A.7 of the Act, particularly when such information might compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals.
How to Look Up Woodward Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Woodward have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The City of Woodward maintains several channels through which citizens may request and access arrest documentation:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Woodward Police Department, located at 1219 8th Street, Woodward, OK 73801. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a formal records request form and provide identification.
The Woodward Court Clerk's Office maintains judicial records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This office is located at 1219 8th Street, Woodward, OK 73801, and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (580) 254-8518.
Electronic requests for arrest records may be submitted through the City Clerk's Request for Information online portal. Pursuant to § 24A.5 of the Oklahoma Open Records Act, agencies must respond to such requests promptly, typically within a reasonable timeframe not exceeding ten business days.
The Woodward County Sheriff's Office, located at 1600 8th Street, Woodward, OK 73801, maintains county-level arrest records. This office can be contacted at (580) 256-3264 for information regarding arrests made within Woodward County but outside city limits.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with § 24A.5(3) of the Oklahoma Open Records Act, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees to recover the direct costs of document duplication.
Contents of a Woodward Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Woodward law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. Standard arrest documentation includes:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking information, including unique identification numbers, fingerprint classification, and booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Custody status information, including bond amounts if applicable
Preliminary hearing dates and initial court appearance information
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if applicable
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Pursuant to 74 O.S. § 150.9, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation maintains a centralized repository of arrest fingerprint information that supplements local records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Woodward
Oklahoma law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained in Woodward. The legal framework for expungement is primarily established in 22 O.S. §§ 18 and 19, which delineate qualifying criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under various circumstances, including:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed within the statute of limitations
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Successful completion of deferred judgment or delayed sentencing programs
- Pardoned offenses
- Certain non-violent felony convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period
- Misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal applications with the Woodward County District Court, located at 1600 8th Street, Woodward, OK 73801. Pursuant to § 19(D), notice must be provided to the district attorney, the arresting agency, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and any other agencies holding records subject to expungement.
Upon granting of an expungement order, affected records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances as specified in § 19(F). Expunged records are not destroyed but are segregated from public records and may not be disclosed except by court order.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements, and outcomes depend on specific case circumstances and statutory eligibility criteria. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, located at 6600 N. Harvey Place, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, maintains the central repository of criminal history information and processes expungement orders affecting state-level records.
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