How To Find Court Records In Ohio

Official court records in Ohio document the full journey of a legal proceeding, from its initiation to its final resolution. When available, these records provide essential information, including case details, involved parties, and court outcomes.

CourtCaseFinder simplifies this process. Our platform offers a single, convenient location to search for county, municipal, trial, and appellate court records across Ohio's counties and cities. By using our service, you not only save time but also gain access to information that is typically scattered across disparate court systems.

Whether you have a specific case in mind or are new to navigating the Ohio legal system, CourtCaseFinder provides a unified and user-friendly platform for the information you need.

How To Access Ohio Public Court Records

While CourtCaseFinder offers a fast and convenient way to search court records across Ohio's many jurisdictions, you can also obtain records directly through official government channels.

Online Access

Many Ohio courts provide digital tools that let you look up case details directly from their websites. The Ohio Supreme Court maintains a public docket system where you can view filings, opinions, and case histories.

At the county level, courts also offer portals that allow searches of criminal, civil, traffic, and other types of records. For example, Franklin County's Case Information Online (CIO) gives public access to civil, criminal, domestic relations, and appellate cases, though it is provided for convenience and is not considered the official court record.

Similarly, the Butler County Clerk of Courts provides an online case search for civil, criminal, and traffic matters. In Cuyahoga County, the clerk's public access system allows searches of dockets and case details filed in county courts.

Availability varies by county, and in some locations, the information you can view online may be limited.

In-Person Requests

Another option is to visit a courthouse in person. Each county in Ohio has a clerk of courts' office where you can ask to inspect or copy public records during office hours.

Some counties, such as Cuyahoga County, allow these requests to be made anonymously without requiring you to explain your reason for access. Others require a small fee for copies of records.

By Mail or Written Request

You may also request court documents by sending a written letter or email. While this option creates a clear paper trail, it usually involves longer wait times than online searches.

Local court information is available through the Supreme Court website.

Ohio Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Ohio's court records are generally available to the public under the state's Public Records Act. This act grants any person the right to inspect and copy records maintained by public offices, including courts, unless a specific exemption applies.

When available, court records in Ohio may include:

• Initial filings, such as complaints or petitions
• Court motions, briefs, and orders issued by judges
• Docket sheets and scheduling information
• The names of parties, attorneys, and presiding judges
• Case outcomes, judgments, and sentencing information

Even though most records are open, certain types of information are shielded from public access. Examples include:

• Sealed matters, such as many juvenile cases or criminal records sealed by a judge
• Expunged cases, which the law treats as if they never occurred
• Protected personal information, including Social Security numbers, certain medical records, and data that could identify minors.

The Supreme Court of Ohio's Public Access Rules also establish a presumption of openness but set boundaries on what can be restricted or redacted to protect privacy.

Who Oversees the Courts in Ohio?

The oversight of Ohio's state and county courts is managed through the Ohio Supreme Court's Administrative Director, the chief administrative authority for the judicial branch. This position is appointed by the justices of the Ohio Supreme Court and serves as the primary liaison between the justices, court staff, and the broader judicial operations.

Typically, the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court leads the agency and, working closely with the Administrative Director, sets policy and strategic direction. While the justices focus on judicial decision-making, the Administrative Director handles the judiciary's non-judicial functions.

According to Ohio's court administration guidelines and documentation, the Administrative Director's responsibilities include overseeing court budgeting, personnel, information technology, strategic planning, policy development, public information programs, and research and advisory services.

What Types of Courts Exist in Ohio?

Ohio's judicial system is tiered, with specific responsibilities for each court. Understanding this structure helps clarify how cases are handled and where specific legal disputes are addressed. The table below outlines the major court types in Ohio, the scope of their authority, and the kinds of cases they typically decide.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court of Ohio	The highest court in the state. Reviews appeals from lower appellate courts, interprets the Ohio Constitution, and has authority over death penalty cases and certain administrative appeals.	Appeals involving constitutional issues, death penalty cases, rulings from courts of appeals, and appeals from state agencies
Courts of Appeals	Twelve districts serve as the intermediate appellate level. These courts review decisions made by trial courts to ensure proper application of the law. They also have the authority to issue certain extraordinary writs.	Appeals from common pleas, municipal, and county courts; original actions such as habeas corpus or mandamus
Common Pleas Courts	Found in every county. These general jurisdiction trial courts are divided into four divisions: General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate.	Felony criminal cases, civil disputes exceeding $15,000, divorce, custody, child support matters, juvenile delinquency and neglect cases, and probate matters, including estates, guardianships, and adoptions
Municipal and County Courts	Created by statute with limited jurisdiction. Handle lower-level criminal matters, civil disputes below a monetary limit, and preliminary hearings in felony cases.	Misdemeanors, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, civil claims up to $15,000, and small claims matters
Court of Claims	Statutorily created statewide court housed in Franklin County. Handles civil cases filed against the State of Ohio.	Claims against the state for personal injury, property damage, breach of contract, wrongful death, public records denial, and crime victim compensation appeals

What Federal Courts Are In Ohio?

Ohio's federal courts are separate from state courts and have jurisdiction over specific types of cases. They handle matters arising from federal law, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes between parties from different states.

While Ohio's state courts address issues like family law, probate, and most criminal cases, federal courts hear disputes that cross state lines, involve federal statutes, or relate to the U.S. government.

The table below outlines the federal courts in Ohio, including their jurisdiction and primary contact information, as well as bankruptcy courts that operate under federal authority.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court - Northern District of Ohio	Primary trial court for federal cases originating in the northern half of Ohio. Handles both civil and criminal matters under federal law.	Akron Phone: (330) 252-6000 Cleveland Phone: (216) 357-7000 Toledo Phone: (419) 213-5500 Youngstown Phone: (330) 884-7400
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Ohio	Federal trial court covering the southern half of Ohio. Deals with federal civil and criminal cases arising in its jurisdiction.	Cincinnati Phone: (513) 564-7500 Columbus Phone: (614) 719-3000 Dayton Phone: (937) 512-1400
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Northern District of Ohio	Federal court handling bankruptcy filings in northern counties. Jurisdiction is divided among multiple locations depending on the county.	Akron Phone: (330) 252-6100 Canton Phone: (330) 458-2120 Cleveland Phone: (216) 615-4300 Toledo Phone: (419) 213-5600 Youngstown Phone: (330) 742-0900
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Southern District of Ohio	Handles bankruptcy cases in southern Ohio, including cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton.	Cincinnati Phone: (513) 684-2572 Columbus Phone: (614) 469-6638 Dayton Phone: (937) 225-2516

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is the federal appellate court for Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Michigan. Located in Cincinnati at the Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse, its role is to review decisions from federal trial courts for legal errors.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Ohio Courts?

Ohio courts process hundreds of thousands of cases each year. Common pleas, municipal, and county courts typically handle the largest portion of filings.

Based on the Ohio Courts' data dashboard, the figures below highlight the caseloads across the different divisions of the Courts of Common Pleas:

• General Division: ~170,900 new case filings
• Domestic Relations: ~56,900 new case filings
• Probate: ~91,100 new case filings
• Juvenile: ~106,300 new case filings

Below is an overview of the typical case types handled by municipal and county courts, along with their approximate annual filing volumes:

Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
Contracts	~251,600
Evictions	~105,700
Felonies	~57,700
Misdemeanors	~200,900
Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI)	~40,700
Personal Injury and Property Damage	~2,100
Small Claims	~34,700
Other Civil	~13,000
Other Traffic	~795,200

How Do I File a Case in Ohio Courts?

Filing a case in Ohio involves several steps, which can vary depending on the type of case. Below is a general overview of the process:

Determine the Appropriate Court

The first thing you need to do is figure out which court has the authority to hear your case. Civil disputes typically go to the Court of Common Pleas, while smaller civil matters or minor financial claims belong in municipal or county courts. Matters like handling estates, adoptions, or guardianships go to the probate court.

Criminal cases usually start through law enforcement, but knowing the right court helps you understand where to file and what procedures apply.

Prepare Your Documents

Next, gather the documents needed to start your case. At a minimum, you'll need a complaint or petition, which outlines the reason for your case, and a summons, which notifies the other party. Court forms are typically available at court and county websites.

If you are handling a case without an attorney, you can also prepare and submit certain court forms online. If you need to file with the Court of Claims, you can use the Odyssey Guide & File. Your responses will be used to generate and electronically file your court forms.

File Your Case

Once your documents are ready, you can file them in person at the clerk of courts' office. If you can't make it to the courthouse, most courts allow filing by mail so that your paperwork can still arrive on time.

Many courts also offer online filing options. For example, the Ohio Court of Claims uses Odyssey eFileOH, and the Supreme Court of Ohio has an E-Filing Portal, which can save a trip to the courthouse.

Pay the Filing Fee

Fees vary depending on the court and type of case. Counties might also post different fee schedules. Most courts accept cash, checks, money orders, and in many cases, credit or debit cards. If you're filing online, some courts allow electronic payment.

Serve the Defendant

After filing, the next step is to ensure the defendant receives copies of the complaint and summons. Depending on the court's rules and the type of case, you can do this through certified mail, a sheriff's service, or a private process server. The court will not proceed until this is complete.

Attend Your Hearing or Trial

Once the defendant has been served, the court will schedule a hearing or trial. Be ready to present your case, including evidence and witnesses.

How Is the Ohio Court System Unique?

Ohio's court system features specialized dockets, which are a unique and therapeutic approach to justice. These tailored programs address specific underlying issues like substance abuse, mental health, and veteran status. Instead of relying solely on traditional punitive measures, these dockets provide participants with treatment, supervision, and support.

Another distinct feature of the Ohio judicial system is the existence of mayor's courts. Established by municipalities, these local judicial bodies handle cases involving traffic violations, minor misdemeanors, and local ordinance violations.

A key characteristic of these courts is that they are not presided over by a judge from the judicial branch. Instead, the mayor or a magistrate appointed by the mayor serves as the presiding official. Mayors are not required to have a law degree or any formal legal training to hear cases.

Unlike standard judicial bodies, mayor's courts do not hold jury trials and are not considered courts of record, which means that their decisions cannot be directly appealed. Instead, if a defendant wishes to challenge a mayor's court ruling, the case must be re-tried from the beginning in the appropriate municipal or county court.

Ohio Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Adams
• Allen
• Ashland
• Ashtabula
• Athens
• Auglaize
• Belmont
• Brown
• Butler
• Carroll
• Champaign
• Clark
• Clermont
• Clinton
• Columbiana
• Coshocton
• Crawford
• Cuyahoga
• Darke
• Defiance
• Delaware
• Erie
• Fairfield
• Fayette
• Franklin
• Fulton
• Gallia
• Geauga
• Greene
• Guernsey
• Hamilton
• Hancock
• Hardin
• Harrison
• Henry
• Highland
• Hocking
• Holmes
• Huron
• Jackson
• Jefferson
• Knox
• Lake
• Lawrence
• Licking
• Logan
• Lorain
• Lucas
• Madison
• Mahoning
• Marion
• Medina
• Meigs
• Mercer
• Miami
• Monroe
• Montgomery
• Morgan
• Morrow
• Muskingum
• Noble
• Ottawa
• Paulding
• Perry
• Pickaway
• Pike
• Portage
• Preble
• Putnam
• Richland
• Ross
• Sandusky
• Scioto
• Seneca
• Shelby
• Stark
• Summit
• Trumbull
• Tuscarawas
• Union
• Van Wert
• Vinton
• Warren
• Washington
• Wayne
• Williams
• Wood
• Wyandot

Where to Find Additional Information About Ohio Courts?

• Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Judicial System
• Ohio Court Records
• Law Facts: Ohio's Courts | OSBA
• Court of Common Pleas, General Trial Division
• Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk
• Attorney Directory Search
• Opinion Search - Ohio Supreme Court

FAQs