Portage County Court Records

What Is Portage County Court Records

Portage County court records constitute the official documentation of legal proceedings conducted within the jurisdiction of Portage County, Ohio. These records are maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 and serve as the permanent account of judicial actions, decisions, and filings. Court records typically include:

• Case filings and pleadings
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing transcripts
• Evidence admitted during proceedings
• Docket entries documenting case progression
• Jury verdicts and judicial opinions
• Settlement agreements filed with the court

The Portage County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of these records, responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and accessibility in accordance with state law. The records management system employed by Portage County courts ensures the integrity and authenticity of legal documentation while facilitating public access as prescribed by Ohio's Public Records Act.

Portage County Clerk of Courts 203 West Main Street Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 297-3644 https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/clerk-courts

Are Court Records Public In Portage County

Court records in Portage County are generally considered public documents in accordance with Ohio's Public Records Law (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open to public inspection during regular business hours. Members of the public may access these records without stating a purpose or justifying their request.

However, certain exceptions and limitations to public access exist:

• Records sealed by court order
• Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account information)
• Grand jury proceedings
• Records subject to attorney-client privilege
• Documents filed under protective orders

The Ohio Supreme Court has established standards for public access to court records through Superintendence Rule 44-47, which governs the balance between transparency and privacy concerns. Individuals seeking access to restricted records may file a petition with the appropriate court demonstrating legitimate interest or legal authorization for access to sealed or confidential materials.

Requests for public court records may be submitted in person, by mail, or through electronic means where available. The Ohio Court of Claims adjudicates disputes regarding public records access when requesters believe records have been improperly withheld.

How To Find Court Records in Portage County in 2025

Individuals seeking court records in Portage County in 2025 may utilize several established methods to locate and retrieve official documentation. The Portage County court system has implemented multiple access points to accommodate diverse research needs:

1. In-person requests may be submitted at the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours:

   • Common Pleas Court records: Portage County Courthouse, 203 W. Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266
   • Municipal Court records: 303 E. Main Street, Kent, OH 44240
   • Juvenile/Probate Court records: 8000 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266

2. Written requests may be directed to the relevant clerk's office with specific case information, including:

   • Case number (if known)
   • Names of parties involved
   • Approximate date of filing
   • Type of case or proceeding

3. Electronic access is available through the county's online portal system, which provides remote retrieval capabilities for many public records.

4. Third-party vendors authorized by the county may provide subscription-based access to compiled court data.

Requesters should note that processing times vary based on record age, complexity, and format. Records predating digital conversion may require additional retrieval time. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(7), the clerk may charge reasonable fees for copies of requested documents, though inspection of records in person typically incurs no cost.

For appellate cases involving Portage County matters, the Supreme Court of Ohio's public docket provides comprehensive access to case information and documents.

How To Look Up Court Records in Portage County Online?

Portage County has established digital infrastructure enabling online access to court records through several dedicated platforms. Users seeking electronic access to judicial documents may utilize the following resources:

• Portage County Clerk of Courts Public Access System - This portal provides searchable access to Common Pleas Court civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases. Users may search by case number, party name, or filing date.

• Portage County Municipal Court Records Search - This separate database contains records for misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, small claims, and civil matters within Municipal Court jurisdiction.

• Portage County Probate Court Online Records - Limited probate case information is available through this specialized interface, though certain confidential matters are excluded.

To conduct an effective online search, users should:

1. Select the appropriate court database based on case type
2. Enter known search parameters (names, case numbers, date ranges)
3. Review search results to identify relevant cases
4. Access available document images or docket entries
5. Note any restrictions on viewable content

For cases that have proceeded to federal jurisdiction, the Northern District of Ohio United States District Court maintains electronic records accessible through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

Users should be aware that online access may be subject to system maintenance periods, and some older records may not be fully digitized. Additionally, certain sensitive documents may be accessible only through in-person requests at the courthouse.

Can You Search Portage County Court Records for Free?

Portage County provides several options for free access to court records, though certain limitations and fee structures apply depending on the method of access and volume of records requested. The following free access points are available to the public:

• In-person inspection of public court records at the respective clerk's office during regular business hours incurs no charge. Visitors may examine documents and take notes without payment.

• Basic online searches through the Portage County court websites are available without subscription fees. These searches typically provide case numbers, party names, filing dates, and basic docket information.

• Public access terminals located within courthouse facilities offer free on-site electronic access to digitized records with more comprehensive viewing options than remote access.

While basic access is provided without charge, fees may apply for:

• Printed copies of documents (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
• Certified copies of court records ($1.00 per certification plus copy fees)
• Extensive research assistance from clerk staff
• Bulk data downloads or specialized reports
• Expedited processing of record requests

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), the clerk may require prepayment of costs for copies exceeding a specified threshold. Individuals with financial hardship may petition the court for fee waivers under certain circumstances.

For appellate cases involving Portage County matters, the Supreme Court of Ohio's public docket provides free access to case information and many court documents.

What's Included in a Portage County Court Record?

Portage County court records comprise comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, containing multiple components that collectively represent the official account of court activities. A complete court record typically includes:

• Case initiation documents - Complaints, petitions, indictments, or other filings that commence legal proceedings
• Service documentation - Proof of summons delivery or notice to involved parties
• Pleadings - Formal written statements by parties asserting claims or defenses
• Motions and responses - Requests for court action and opposing parties' replies
• Court orders - Judicial directives and decisions on procedural and substantive matters
• Judgments - Final determinations of rights and obligations of parties
• Hearing and trial transcripts - Verbatim accounts of oral proceedings when prepared
• Evidence logs - Inventories of exhibits and materials admitted into evidence
• Financial records - Documentation of court costs, fees, fines, and payment histories
• Case notes - Chronological entries documenting case progression and procedural events
• Execution documents - Records pertaining to enforcement of judgments

The specific content varies by case type, with criminal proceedings including additional elements such as bail information, pre-sentence investigations, and sentencing documentation. Family court matters may contain custody evaluations, support calculations, and domestic violence findings.

Pursuant to Ohio Court Rules of Superintendence, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and information concerning minors.

How Long Does Portage County Keep Court Records?

Portage County maintains court records according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.38 and the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio. These schedules vary by record type and case classification:

• Felony case files are retained permanently, with original indictments, journal entries, and sentencing documents preserved indefinitely.

• Misdemeanor records are typically maintained for 5 years after case conclusion, though DUI/OVI cases may be retained for 50 years.

• Civil case records are generally preserved for 5-15 years depending on case type, with judgment liens maintained for the statutory enforcement period (currently 5 years, renewable).

• Domestic relations files including divorces, dissolutions, and custody determinations are retained for 25 years after case closure.

• Probate records including wills, estate administration, and guardianships are maintained permanently.

• Juvenile court records may be maintained until the subject reaches age 21, with certain serious offense records kept longer.

• Traffic violation records are typically retained for 3 years after case disposition.

The Portage County Records Commission periodically reviews retention schedules and may authorize destruction of records that have exceeded mandatory retention periods, provided proper documentation and microfilm/digital preservation has occurred where required.

Records of historical significance may be transferred to the Portage County Historical Society or Ohio History Connection rather than destroyed. Digital conversion initiatives have expanded the county's capacity for long-term electronic preservation of court documents.

Types of Courts In Portage County

Portage County's judicial system encompasses multiple court types, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority as established by the Ohio Constitution and state statutes. The county's court structure includes:

• Portage County Court of Common Pleas - The court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, domestic relations proceedings, and administrative appeals. This court operates specialized divisions:

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

• Portage County Municipal Court - Adjudicates misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims (up to $6,000), and civil matters with damages up to $15,000. The court also conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases.

• Mayor's Courts - Limited-jurisdiction venues in municipalities that handle local ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses. These are not courts of record.

Cases originating in Portage County may also proceed to:

• Eleventh District Court of Appeals - Reviews appeals from Portage County courts, located at 111 High Street, Warren, OH 44481.

• Supreme Court of Ohio - The state's highest court, which may accept discretionary appeals from Portage County cases. The Supreme Court's electronic case management system provides public access to appellate proceedings.

• United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio - Federal court with jurisdiction over federal questions and diversity cases arising in Portage County. The Northern District Court maintains facilities in Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, and Youngstown.

Each court maintains its own record-keeping system, though coordination exists for cases that transfer between jurisdictions.

What Types of Cases Do Portage County Courts Hear?

Portage County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional parameters established by Ohio law. The following case types are processed through the county's judicial system:

Common Pleas Court - General Division

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil litigation exceeding $15,000 in controversy
• Administrative appeals
• Professional malpractice claims
• Complex commercial disputes
• Real property matters

Common Pleas Court - Domestic Relations Division

• Divorce and dissolution proceedings
• Child custody determinations
• Spousal and child support establishment
• Domestic violence civil protection orders
• Post-decree modifications
• Parentage actions

Common Pleas Court - Probate Division

• Estate administration
• Will contests
• Guardianships of minors and incompetent adults
• Adoptions
• Name changes
• Mental health commitments

Common Pleas Court - Juvenile Division

• Delinquency proceedings
• Unruly child cases
• Juvenile traffic offenses
• Abuse, neglect, and dependency matters
• Permanent custody determinations

Municipal Court

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations
• Small claims (up to $6,000)
• Civil actions up to $15,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Preliminary hearings in felony matters

Cases involving claims against the State of Ohio may be directed to the Ohio Court of Claims, which has exclusive jurisdiction over such matters pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2743.

How To Find a Court Docket In Portage County

Court dockets in Portage County provide chronological listings of scheduled proceedings and filed documents for each case. Members of the public may access these dockets through several established channels:

• Online Docket Access - Portage County maintains electronic docket systems for each court, accessible through their respective websites. Users may search by case number, party name, or date range to locate specific docket information.

• Clerk's Office Terminal - Public access computers are available at each courthouse location during regular business hours:

  • Common Pleas Court: 203 W. Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266
  • Municipal Court: 303 E. Main Street, Kent, OH 44240
  • Juvenile/Probate Court: 8000 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266

• Daily Printed Dockets - Physical copies of each day's court schedule are typically posted near courtroom entrances and available for review at the clerk's office.

• Telephone Inquiry - Limited docket information may be obtained by calling the appropriate clerk's office during business hours.

For cases that have proceeded to appellate review, the Supreme Court of Ohio's public docket provides comprehensive information regarding scheduling, filings, and dispositions.

When searching for docket information, requesters should be prepared to provide:

1. Case number (if known)
2. Full names of parties involved
3. Approximate date of filing or scheduled hearing
4. Case type or nature of proceeding

Docket information is updated continuously as new filings and scheduling orders are processed by the clerk's office. Users should verify the currency of information, particularly for time-sensitive matters such as hearing dates.

Which Courts in Portage County Are Not Courts of Record?

Certain judicial forums in Portage County do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings as required for courts of record under Ohio law. These non-record courts include:

• Mayor's Courts - Operated in municipalities throughout Portage County, these limited-jurisdiction venues handle minor misdemeanors, local ordinance violations, and traffic offenses. Mayor's Courts are authorized under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1905 but do not employ official court reporters or maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Municipalities operating Mayor's Courts in Portage County include:

  • Garrettsville Mayor's Court
  • Hiram Mayor's Court
  • Mantua Mayor's Court
  • Windham Mayor's Court

• Small Claims Division of Municipal Court - While technically part of the Municipal Court, small claims proceedings (for matters under $6,000) are conducted informally without court reporters present. Records consist primarily of filed documents and judgment entries rather than verbatim accounts of hearings.

Cases initiated in non-record courts maintain the following characteristics:

• Proceedings are not transcribed by official court reporters
• Appeals from these venues proceed as trials de novo (new trials) rather than reviews of existing records
• Defendants have automatic right to transfer cases to courts of record
• Judgments may still be enforced through standard collection mechanisms

Individuals with cases in non-record courts retain the right to appeal decisions to the Portage County Municipal Court (from Mayor's Courts) or the Portage County Court of Common Pleas (from Municipal Court small claims), where proceedings will be conducted as courts of record with full documentation of testimony and evidence.

Lookup Court Records in Portage County

Supreme Court of Ohio public docket

Northern District of Ohio federal court records

Ohio Court of Claims record access