Oklahoma Criminal Records

Oklahoma criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's history with the state's criminal justice system. These records typically include police reports and arrest records, warrant information, criminal charges, court case outcomes, sentencing details, and jail/incarceration records. Recent surveys show that Oklahoma has a violent crime rate of around 4.20 incidents per 1,000 residents, with a total crime rate nearing 27.52 per 1,000 people.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), through its Information Services Division, acts as the central repository for all criminal records in Oklahoma and is charged with collating criminal record information and disseminating this information to interested parties. Various other state and local agencies also create and offer access to criminal records, including police departments, county sheriff's offices, district courts, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, and the state's Department of Public Safety.

Are Criminal Records Public in Oklahoma?

Criminal records are generally considered public under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, meaning that these records may be accessed by any interested party. However, there are certain exemptions where some records (or the information they contain) may be withheld or redacted from public disclosure. Examples of criminal record information restricted from public disclosure include juvenile records, expunged records, records of ongoing investigations, personal medical information, and certain personal identifying information on individuals who weren't charged, cited, or issued a warning.

How To Look Up Criminal Records in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) provides interested parties with access to criminal records via two primary methods: name-based criminal history record checks and fingerprint-based criminal history record checks.

Name-based checks may be requested online through the OSBI's Criminal History Information Request Portal (CHIRP) - note that this option requires the creation of an account. Alternatively, requests may be made by either faxing a Criminal History Request Form to (405) 879-2503 or submitting the completed form in person or via mail to the bureau at:

Fingerprint-based checks may also be requested by submitting the completed request form, along with one set of inked fingerprints taken on an applicant fingerprint card. Fingerprinting services are typically available at local police departments or sheriff's offices. Note that the card must be signed and dated by both the printing officer and the applicant, with all required fields filled out clearly; it must also not be folded, stapled, or altered in any way.

Name-based criminal history record checks cost $15 per request, while fingerprint-based checks cost $19. There is a $1 convenience transaction fee for requests submitted online. The OSBI also offers additional searches of the Department of Corrections' sex offender and violent offender databases for a fee of $2.00 each. Processing times vary by type of request, with fingerprint-based checks taking at least four weeks.

You may contact the OSBI at (405) 848-6724, via email, or online for assistance or questions regarding Oklahoma criminal records.

How To Search Oklahoma Arrest Records?

Oklahoma arrest records are primarily created and kept by the local police department or county sheriff's office that carried out the arrest. However, agencies that make arrests at the state level, such as the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, also generate and maintain arrest records. These arrest records typically include details like:

• The arrestee's full name, date of birth, address, race, and sex
• The arrestee's physical description and occupation
• The date, time, and location of the arrest
• The cause(s) of the arrest and a brief summary of the arrest
• The name of the arresting officer and their law enforcement agency

Interested parties who wish to obtain copies of arrest records may do so by contacting the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest. Most law enforcement agencies offer several methods for submitting record requests, including in-person and online options. Some of these agencies also maintain recent booking logs online, which may be accessed at no cost.

You may also access arrest records in Oklahoma by submitting a request to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation using its CHIRP platform. Note that records accessed via this option may not provide as comprehensive information as those accessed directly through the local arresting agency.

How To Search Oklahoma Warrants?

Oklahoma warrants are judicial orders issued by judges that authorize specific actions by law enforcement officers, such as arresting a suspect, searching a property, or seizing evidence. Common types of warrants issued in Oklahoma include:

• Arrest Warrants: These are issued based on probable cause that a person has committed a crime, authorizing law enforcement to take the person into custody.
• Search Warrants: These are also issued based on probable cause and authorize law enforcement to search specified premises and seize evidence related to an investigation.
• Bench Warrants: These are issued when a defendant fails to appear in court for a scheduled hearing or violates a court order, and also authorize their apprehension.

Arrest and bench warrants usually remain active indefinitely until served or canceled by the issuing court. However, search warrants must typically be executed within 10 days from the date they are issued, as specified under Oklahoma Statutes Section 22-1231. Oklahoma warrant information can generally be obtained by contacting the local law enforcement agency in the county/jurisdiction where the warrant was issued. Some county sheriff's offices also provide online warrant search tools that allow members of the public to search outstanding warrants by name. Be aware that information on some active warrants may not be disclosed publicly to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Can I Obtain an Oklahoma Criminal History Record of Another Person?

You may obtain a copy of another person's Oklahoma criminal history record by requesting a name-based criminal history record check from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) online through its CHIRP platform. You will typically be required to provide the person's full name and date of birth or approximate age, as well as additional information (where available), like their race, sex, and social security number (to facilitate a more thorough search).

Requests may also be made to the OSBI by mailing a properly completed Criminal History Request Form to:

The completed form may also be submitted in person (at the above address) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, or via fax to (405) 879-2503. There is a $15 fee per search, and you may include a search of the Department of Corrections' sex offender and violent offender databases for an additional $2.00 fee (per database). Inquiries may be directed to the OSBI at (405) 848-6724, via email, or online.

How To Expunge or Seal Oklahoma Criminal Records

Oklahoma allows for expungements, which is a legal process that seals a criminal record and removes it from public view. Expungements in Oklahoma are governed by Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, specifically Sections 18, 19, and 991(c) of this law. Note that an expungement does not automatically destroy the record, and expunged records may still be accessed by certain government agencies.

Per state law, expungements are typically available for non-conviction records (arrests without charges or where the case was dismissed or acquitted), juvenile records (under certain conditions), non-violent misdemeanors and felonies (after a waiting period), and pardoned offenses. However, violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children are not eligible for expungement.

Individuals who wish to get their records expunged must meet certain eligibility criteria, which include completing all imposed sentences, having no pending charges or new convictions, and meeting the stipulated waiting period (which varies by record/offense type). The record expungement process typically involves the following steps:

• Determine eligibility based on the offense type and waiting period.
• Gather necessary documentation related to the arrest or conviction. These may include arrest records, court records, sentencing documents, proof of sentence completion, a copy of your criminal history record, and other relevant information.
• File a petition with the district court of jurisdiction.
• Notify all relevant parties, including the arresting agency, the prosecuting office, and the OSBI. These notified parties are allowed to object to the expungement (even if the petitioner meets all eligibility criteria).
• Attend a scheduled hearing.
• Receive the court's decision. If the petition is approved, the court will issue an official order and also notify relevant agencies to effect the expungement.

It is strongly recommended to get legal advice when navigating the expungement process.

What Are the Limitations When Using Criminal Records for Employment, Licensing, and Housing in Oklahoma?

Several laws limit how employers, licensing boards, and landlords may use criminal history information in Oklahoma. These include the Fair Chance Act, which prohibits federal agencies and contractors from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history until after extending a conditional job offer, and Executive Order 2016-03, which directs state agencies to remove questions about criminal history from initial employment applications. Private employers are also required to comply with laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires consent before running a background check and mandates notice if an adverse action is based on the report, and EEOC guidelines, which discourage blanket exclusions based on criminal records.

Similar guidelines from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also encourage landlords to assess applicants individually, considering factors like rehabilitation and time since conviction. Likewise, state licensing boards cannot deny a license solely due to a criminal record unless the offense is substantially related to the profession. Note that some industries, such as healthcare and education, have stricter regulations, particularly for violent or financial crimes. However, per Oklahoma Statutes Section 59-4000.1, individuals with a criminal history may request an initial determination from a state licensing or certification authority to find out if their record might disqualify them from obtaining a license in their desired occupation.

Can I Access Oklahoma Criminal Records for Free Online?

While many third-party websites claim to offer access to Oklahoma criminal records, the information they provide may be outdated or inaccurate. For official and up-to-date records, it is best to rely on official sources, like the OSBI's CHIRP platform, the OSCN's record search platform, and the district courts' ODCR system, as well as reputable platforms that aggregate data from official databases, like OklahomaPublicRecords.us.