Portage County Court Records

What Is Portage County Court Records

Portage County court records are official documents created and maintained by the county's court system during legal proceedings. These records document the actions taken by the courts and include filings, orders, judgments, and other legal documents related to cases heard in Portage County courts. They serve as the official history of court cases and are maintained by the Clerk of Courts.

Are Court Records Public In Portage County

Yes, most court records in Portage County are public under Ohio's Public Records Law. This means that any person can request access to these records without stating a reason. However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect sensitive information such as juvenile cases, adoption proceedings, or cases involving domestic violence victims.

How To Find Court Records in Portage County in 2025

To find court records in Portage County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit the Portage County Clerk of Courts office in person at Portage County Administration Building, 449 S. Meridian Street, Ravenna, OH 44266

2. Use the online case search system available through the Portage County Clerk of Courts website

3. Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts by mail

4. Contact the specific court division where the case was heard

For the most current records, the online system offers the quickest access, while older records may require an in-person visit.

How To Look Up Court Records in Portage County Online?

To look up Portage County court records online:

1. Visit the Portage County Clerk of Courts website
2. Navigate to the "Case Search" or "Records Search" section
3. Enter the required search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
4. Review the search results and select the case you're interested in
5. Access available documents, which may include docket entries and some full documents

Note that while basic case information is typically available online, you may need to request full document copies for some cases.

Can You Search Portage County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search basic Portage County court records for free. The online case search system is available without charge, and viewing basic case information doesn't incur fees. However, there may be costs associated with:

• Obtaining certified copies of documents
• Printing physical copies (typically $0.10-$1.00 per page)
• Requesting extensive research assistance from court staff

The Portage County Clerk of Courts office at 449 S. Meridian Street, Ravenna, OH 44266 can provide current fee information.

What's Included in a Portage County Court Record?

A typical Portage County court record includes:

• Case number and filing date
• Names of all parties involved (plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys)
• Docket sheet listing all actions taken in the case
• Filed documents (complaints, motions, responses)
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts (if requested)
• Evidence submitted during proceedings (in some cases)
• Financial information (fines, fees, restitution)

The level of detail varies by case type and court division.

How Long Does Portage County Keep Court Records?

Portage County follows Ohio's records retention schedules for court documents. Generally:

• Most Common Pleas Court records are kept permanently
• Municipal Court records are typically kept for 5-25 years depending on case type
• Traffic cases may be kept for 5-15 years
• Probate Court records are often kept permanently

The Portage County Records Commission at Portage County Administration Building, 449 S. Meridian Street, Ravenna, OH 44266 oversees records retention policies.

Types of Courts In Portage County

Portage County has several court divisions:

1. Court of Common Pleas

   • General Division (civil and criminal cases)
   • Domestic Relations Division
   • Juvenile Division
   • Probate Division

2. Municipal Courts

   • Kent Municipal Court at 303 E. Main Street, Kent, OH 44240
   • Ravenna Municipal Court at 210 Park Way, Ravenna, OH 44266

3. County Court (handles cases in areas not covered by municipal courts)

Each court has specific jurisdiction over different types of cases.

What Types of Cases Do Portage County Courts Hear?

Portage County courts hear various case types:

• Common Pleas Court (General Division): Felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $15,000, administrative appeals
• Domestic Relations Division: Divorces, dissolutions, child custody, support cases
• Juvenile Division: Cases involving minors, delinquency, dependency, neglect
• Probate Division: Wills, estates, guardianships, adoptions
• Municipal Courts: Misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $15,000, small claims
• County Court: Similar jurisdiction to municipal courts but for areas without municipal courts

How To Find a Court Docket In Portage County

To find a court docket in Portage County:

1. Online: Visit the Portage County Clerk of Courts website and use the case search function
2. In person: Visit the Clerk of Courts office at 449 S. Meridian Street, Ravenna, OH 44266
3. By phone: Contact the Clerk's office at (330) 297-3644
4. By email: Send a request to the appropriate court division

For the most current docket information, the online system is typically updated daily.

Which Courts in Portage County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Portage County, all courts are technically courts of record, meaning they maintain official records of proceedings. However, the level of detail in these records varies:

• Mayor's Courts (if any exist in smaller municipalities) maintain more limited records
• Small Claims divisions of Municipal Courts keep simplified records

Even in these courts, basic case information is recorded, but transcripts may not be automatically created unless specifically requested.

Lookup Court Records in Portage County

For comprehensive access to Portage County court records, the following resources are available:

• Portage County Common Pleas Court - The official site providing access to the Court of Common Pleas, including case information and records access.

Additional resources include visiting the Clerk of Courts office in person or contacting them by phone for assistance with locating specific records that may not be available online.