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Victims Advocates Unit

The Sheriff’s Office Victims Advocates support victims/survivors of misdemeanor offenses, including but not limited to: Assault, Domestic Violence, Violation of Protection Order, Menacing, and Aggravated Menacing, etc. 

Our Victims Services Unit provides crisis response through law enforcement referral, supporting both survivors of crime and Delaware County law enforcement personnel. Our team is here to help—visit us at 1776 State Route 521, Delaware, OH 43015.

        Valerie Hooper, R.A., C.A.   |   Victims Advocate Supervisor   |   740-833-2845
        Catherine “Neddy” Stark-Jones, R.A.,C.A.   |   Victims Advocate   |  740-833-2843

Both advocates are state and national credentialed.


You have the right to attend: The first court appearance is an arraignment or initial appearance. It is the next business day after the arrest, when no bond has been posted. 

Misdemeanor Crimes: 70 N. Union Street, Delaware, OH  |  9:30 AM
Felony Crimes: 117 N. Union Street, Delaware, OH  |  1 PM

It is mandatory that you appear in court if you have requested a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) or a Criminal TPO. The judge will hold a hearing to determine whether or not an order will be issued/granted. Bond considerations and conditions will also be addressed. 

Victims Rights

As a victim of crime, you have constitutionally protected rights — detailed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Crime Victim Services.

    • Contact: 1-800-582-2877
    • https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/victim 

Some rights are automatic, but some require your request. To obtain a copy of a report, contact the Public Records Unit.

    • Contact: 740-833-2860  |  PublicRecords@co.delaware.oh.us

Marsy’s Law

  • Marsy’s Law, also known as the Ohio Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, is a constitutional amendment effective February 5, 2018. Named for Marsy Nicholas, whose family, following Marsy’s murder, fought to make victims rights equal to those of the accused. The law aims to ensure that victims/their loved ones are informed and respected at every stage of the legal process. It grants crime victims enforceable rights to fairness, privacy, and safety, including notification of proceedings, presence at hearings, and protection from the accused, while ensuring their voices are heard throughout the criminal justice process.

For more information on Victims Rights and what services are available to you, visit the Ohio Attorney General’s website.


Sex Offender Registry

All sex offender registrations are conducted strictly by appointment, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 2 PM.

To schedule your registration appointment, please call 740-833-2845 or 740-833-2843. Walk-in registrations cannot be accommodated, so please ensure you arrange your appointment in advance. 

Registrations will be conducted at 1776 State Route 521, Delaware, OH.

To access the electronic sex offender registration network (eSORN), click here. 

  • This tool allows you to search by local address, name, or city.
  • Access to this website is provided in accordance with Ohio law and is maintained by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Understanding the Law

  • Megan’s Law
    • Passed in 1996, Megan’s Law is a federal mandate requiring states to make information about registered sex offenders available to the public. Named after seven-year-old Megan Kanka, whose tragic death led to calls for greater community awareness. Megan’s Law ensures that residents can access sex offender details to protect public safety. 
    • For more information on Sexual Predators, Habitual Sex Offenders, & Sexually Oriented Offenders, visit the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
  • Adam Walsh Act
    • Enacted in 2008, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act was named after Adam Walsh, the six-year-old boy who was abducted in Florida in 1981 and later found murdered, with his case being solved nearly 30 years later. The act established a national system of sex offender registration and classification. It created standardized “tiers” for offenders based on the severity of their crime, requiring states to adopt stricter registration and notification laws to enhance public safety and prevent repeat offenses.
  • Sex Offense Tiers in Ohio
    • In, Ohio, sex offenders are classified into three tiers based on the offense committed and if the crime was committed before or after January 1, 2008, with each tier carrying different registration requirements:
      • Tier 1: Offenders must register once a year for 15 years. 
      • Tier 2: Offenders must register every 180 days for 25 years. 
      • Tier 3: Offenders must register every 90 days for life and are subject to community notification. 

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