Ashtabula County Courts

Ashtabula County is home to approximately 97,000 residents, representing about 0.83% of Ohio's total population of about 11.8 million. Based on data from Ohio's court reporting system, Ashtabula County courts handle approximately 8,750 cases filed annually across all court divisions. These comprise around 3,600 criminal case filings, 2,450 probate and family matters, and 2,625 minor claims disputes.

Ashtabula County's trial system operates through several specialized courts that handle different case types. Some of the courts include:

• Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas - has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases.
• Ashtabula County Municipal Court - hears civil cases with claims up to $15,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, and traffic violation cases. It also conducts preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Ashtabula County Court - hears certain civil cases, small claims cases, and serves as an appellate court for cases from Mayor's Courts within the county
• Ashtabula County Mayor's Court - handles traffic violations, ordinance violations, and local housing code violations

The court facilities in Ashtabula County are primarily concentrated in Jefferson, the county seat. However, some municipal courts operate in various cities throughout the county to serve local jurisdictions.

How To Access Ashtabula County Court Records

Unless sealed by court order or protected by statute, Ashtabula County court records are generally accessible to the public per Ohio's Public Records Act. Records restricted from public access may include those relating to juvenile proceedings, adoption proceedings, and records containing confidential medical information.

To obtain a court record in Ashtabula County, an interested individual may be required to provide a valid government-issued photo ID and relevant information about the case. Such information may include party names, case numbers, or filing dates. Note that a nominal processing fee may be charged for obtaining these records.

The county court records may be obtained through any of the following means:

Online

Individuals may access Ashtabula County court records online through Courtview, the county's case management system. This portal provides public access to docket entries and case information maintained by the Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts, Eastern Area Court, and Western Area Court. The system includes records from civil cases, criminal matters, domestic relations proceedings, and probate cases. However, records prior to May 1993 for the Common Pleas Court and January 1995 for the Area Courts are not available online.

Interested persons may also search for Ashtabula County court records on CourtCaseFinder. This website is designed to provide access to recent court filings and case information across all counties in the United States.

Where a federal case is heard in Ashtabula County, records of such a case may be accessed using the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) portal. Note that PACER requires account registration and charges users administrative fees to access court records.

In-Person

Ashtabula County court records may also be accessed by visiting the courthouse record room or the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours. Generally, each court has a clerk who keeps and organizes the court records. So, interested persons may visit the specific court that handled a case to locate relevant records regarding the case. It is, however, advisable to contact the appropriate clerk's office in advance to verify record availability and access procedures.

Alternatively, some courthouses provide public access terminals to facilitate easier record searches. These computer stations allow individuals to search record databases and identify specific documents before requesting copies from court staff.

Note, however, that copying and certifying court records generally cost certain fees. Standard photocopies are charged at $0.10 per page, while a certified copy incurs an additional $2.00.

Old and Archived Court Records

Archived court records are those older than 50 years or records that have been transferred from active court files. Persons who wish to obtain these records may consider looking up the Ohio History Connection portal. Alternatively, they may contact the state archives at:

Historical court records may also be accessed through the State Library of Ohio, which maintains collections of historical documents, including some court records. Interested parties may contact the State Library at:

How To File a Case in Ashtabula County

In Ashtabula County, cases may be filed in two ways: in person at the appropriate courthouse or by mail using official court forms. Each court provides its own forms specific to the types of cases it handles. These forms can be accessed through the individual court's clerk's office or on the court's website.

Filing a case in the county typically attracts certain fees, which vary by case type and court. For example, small claims cases generally cost $35 to $75 to file, while civil cases in Municipal Court may range from $100 to $200. Filing fees for major civil cases in the Common Pleas Court typically range from $200 to $400, depending on the nature of the case. However, fee waivers are available for indigent persons through Ohio's In Forma Pauperis procedures.

To apply for a waiver, an applicant must complete an Affidavit of Indigency and a financial documentation form demonstrating inability to pay court costs. The application requires disclosure of income, assets, expenses, and any public assistance received. The court will review the financial information to determine whether the applicant is eligible for the waiver based on federal poverty guidelines or receipt of public benefits. If approved, the fee waiver may cover filing fees and other court costs associated with the case.

The following steps are generally required to file a case in Ashtabula County:

• Determine the case type and identify the appropriate court with jurisdiction over the matter.
• Draft the petition, complaint, or other initiating document depending on the case type. The initiating document must clearly describe the factual circumstances giving rise to the legal action and identify all parties involved. Attach available evidence, affidavits, exhibits, and supporting documents as appropriate. Note that the Ashtabula County Prosecutor's Office is primarily responsible for initiating criminal cases on behalf of the state. However, citizens can also file complaints with law enforcement or the prosecutor's office regarding potential criminal matters.
• Complete any required case information sheets or court-specific forms. Ohio courts often use standardized forms available through the Ohio Supreme Court website or individual court clerks' offices.
• Identify and fulfill any additional requirements for the particular court division. This may include obtaining proper service documents, such as a summons, or completing any additional documentation required by the specific court division.
• File the completed petition or complaint with the relevant court along with any required filing fees, unless a fee waiver has been approved.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Individuals who need help with court cases in the county may turn to the Ashtabula County courthouse, local legal aid societies, and the local bar association pro bono panels to find legal help and self-help resources.

Ashtabula County courts may offer self-help resources to qualified litigants through courthouse assistance programs or referrals to state-level resources. Furthermore, Ohio Legal Help, the state's official legal aid website, provides comprehensive self-help resources and legal information accessible to Ashtabula County residents, including court forms, legal guides, and procedural information. The website also offers virtual assistance for various legal matters and connects users to local resources throughout Ohio.

The following are Legal aid organizations and pro bono services available to Ashtabula County residents:

• Ohio Legal Services: Statewide coordination of legal aid services that connects low-income Ohioans with appropriate legal assistance throughout the state
• Ohio Poverty Law Center: Advocacy and representation organization focused on issues affecting low-income Ohioans, including housing, healthcare, and public benefits
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network: Statewide legal aid network providing legal assistance and advocacy for domestic violence survivors throughout Ohio
• Ohio State Bar Association Certified Lawyer Referral Service: Certified program that connects individuals with pre-screened attorneys who meet specific qualifications and experience requirements
• Ohio Senior Legal Clinic: Provides specialized legal services designed for elderly residents facing issues such as Medicare/Medicaid problems, Social Security disputes, and elder abuse cases
• Ohio Civil Rights Commission: State agency that investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations

Types of Courts in Ashtabula County, Ohio

Ashtabula County is served by various kinds of courts, including common pleas courts, county courts, municipal courts, mayor's courts, and federal courts. The jurisdiction of each court and contact information are listed below:

Ashtabula County Courts of Common Pleas

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Felony criminal cases, civil cases over $15,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Courts of Common Pleas locations in Ashtabula County are as follows:

Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas - General Matters

Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division

Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division

County Courts in Ashtabula County

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil cases up to $15,000 within designated townships. The County Courts locations in Ashtabula are as follows:

Ashtabula County Eastern County Court

The court has jurisdiction in the Villages of Jefferson, Andover, and North Kingsville; and the Townships of Cherry Valley, Andover, Colebrook, Jefferson, Denmark, Dorset, Kingsville, Lenox, Monroe, New Lyme, Pierpont, Wayne, Richmond, Sheffield, and Williamsfield.

Address and Contact Information:

Ashtabula County Western County Court

The court's jurisdiction covers the City of Geneva, the Village of Orwell, and the Townships of Austinburg, Geneva, Harpersfield, Hartsgrove, Morgan, Orwell, Rome, Trumbull, and Windsor.

Address and Contact Information:

Ashtabula County Municipal Courts

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $6,000, and civil cases up to $15,000. The Municipal Court locations in Ashtabula County are as follows:

Ashtabula Municipal Court

This court has jurisdiction in the City of Ashtabula and the Townships of Ashtabula, Plymouth, and Saybrook

Address and Contact Information:

Conneaut Municipal Court

This court has jurisdiction only within Conneaut.

Address and Contact Information:

Ashtabula County Mayor's Courts

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Minor traffic violations and municipal ordinance violations within village limits. The Mayor's Court locations in Ashtabula County are listed below:

Andover Mayor's Court

Geneva-on-the-Lake Mayor's Court

North Kingsville Mayor's Court

Federal Courts Serving Ashtabula County

The following are the federal courts in Ashtabula County:

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Federal civil and criminal cases, including federal crimes, civil rights violations, and cases involving federal law
• Address and Contact Information:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcy cases for northeastern Ohio residents and businesses
• Address and Contact Information:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ashtabula County Courts

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Ashland County trial courts: