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Licking County Court Records

What Is Licking County Court Records

Court records in Licking County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as defined under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which establishes the framework for public records in Ohio. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as:

  • Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
  • Tax records
  • Voter registration information

In Licking County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:

  • Licking County Court of Common Pleas (General Division)
  • Licking County Court of Common Pleas (Domestic Relations Division)
  • Licking County Court of Common Pleas (Probate Division)
  • Licking County Court of Common Pleas (Juvenile Division)
  • Licking County Municipal Court
  • Mayor's Courts (in various municipalities)

These courts handle a wide range of legal matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law cases, probate matters, juvenile cases, and traffic violations. The Licking County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of records for the Court of Common Pleas, maintaining these documents according to state law and court rules.

Are Court Records Public In Licking County

Court records in Licking County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Ohio's Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, and the open courts provision in Article I, Section 16 of the Ohio Constitution. These legal frameworks establish the presumption that court records are public documents available for inspection and copying during regular business hours.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

  • Civil case files
  • Criminal case files (post-charging)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets
  • Hearing schedules
  • Final dispositions

However, certain records may be restricted from public access under Ohio law and the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, particularly Rule 45. These exceptions include:

  • Records sealed by court order
  • Adoption records
  • Certain juvenile records
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers)
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Search warrants prior to return
  • Cases involving victims of sexual offenses

The Supreme Court of Ohio has established guidelines for public access to court records that balance transparency with privacy concerns. These guidelines apply to all courts within Licking County, though specific access procedures may vary by court.

How To Find Court Records in Licking County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Licking County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Identify the appropriate court where the case was filed
  2. Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
  3. Complete a records request form (if required)
  4. Provide case information (case number, party names, filing date)
  5. Pay applicable copy fees

Clerk of Courts Office - Common Pleas Court
1 Courthouse Square
Newark, OH 43055
740-670-5790
Licking County Clerk of Courts

Licking County Municipal Court
40 W Main Street
Newark, OH 43055
740-670-7800
Licking County Municipal Court

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
  2. Include specific case information
  3. Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
  4. Enclose payment for applicable fees

Online Access:

  1. Visit the Common Pleas Case Records Search portal
  2. Accept the terms of use agreement
  3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
  4. Review search results and select desired records
  5. Download or print available documents

Telephone Inquiries: Basic case information may be obtained by calling the appropriate clerk's office, though document copies typically require in-person, written, or online requests.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public records requests must be responded to within a reasonable period. Copy fees may apply in accordance with the fee schedule established by each court.

How To Look Up Court Records in Licking County Online?

Licking County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems offer convenient remote access to various court documents and case information:

Common Pleas Court Records:

  1. Navigate to the Common Pleas Case Records Search portal
  2. Accept the terms and conditions
  3. Search by case number, party name, attorney, or filing date
  4. Available for both General Division and Domestic Relations Division cases
  5. Documents may be viewed and printed directly from the system

Probate Court Records:

  1. Access the Licking County Probate Court Record Search
  2. Accept the legal disclaimer
  3. Search by case number, name, or case type
  4. Review case information and available documents
  5. Note that some documents may require in-person requests

Municipal Court Records:

  1. Visit the Licking County Municipal Court website
  2. Select the case search option
  3. Enter search criteria (case number, name, citation number)
  4. View basic case information and scheduled hearings
  5. Some documents may require in-person requests

Statewide Court Records: For cases that may have proceeded to appellate courts:

  1. Access the Supreme Court of Ohio Public Docket
  2. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
  3. Review docket entries and available opinions

Users should note that online access systems may not contain all documents filed in a case, particularly older records or exhibits. Additionally, certain confidential or sealed records will not appear in public search results in accordance with Ohio law and court rules.

How To Search Licking County Court Records for Free?

Ohio law guarantees the right to inspect public court records without charge, as established in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1). While fees may apply for copies, several free options exist for searching and viewing Licking County court records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

  • Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
  • Request to inspect specific case files
  • Review documents on-site without charge
  • Take notes from records without incurring fees

Free Online Search Systems:

Public Access Terminals:

  • Computer terminals available at courthouse locations
  • Provide more comprehensive access than remote online systems
  • Available during regular business hours
  • No charge for searching or viewing documents on-site

Public Libraries:

  • Some Licking County public libraries offer free internet access
  • Patrons may use library computers to access court record systems
  • Library staff may provide assistance with navigating online resources

While basic searches and document viewing are typically free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:

  • Printed copies (typically $0.10-$1.00 per page)
  • Certified copies (additional certification fee)
  • Research assistance from clerk staff (if extensive time is required)
  • Document delivery by mail or electronic means

The Ohio Court of Claims also provides a free mediation program for resolving disputes about access to public records, including court records, under Ohio Revised Code § 2743.75.

What's Included in a Licking County Court Record?

Court records in Licking County contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. Typically, a complete court record includes:

Case Initiation Documents:

  • Complaints/Petitions
  • Indictments (criminal cases)
  • Summonses
  • Service of process documentation
  • Initial appearances
  • Filing fees information

Procedural Documents:

  • Motions and responses
  • Briefs and memoranda
  • Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
  • Subpoenas
  • Notices of hearing
  • Continuance requests
  • Certificates of service

Evidentiary Materials:

  • Affidavits
  • Depositions (if filed)
  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Expert witness reports
  • Financial disclosures (in domestic relations cases)
  • Presentence investigation reports (in criminal cases, with restrictions)

Court-Generated Documents:

  • Docket sheets listing all case activities
  • Court orders and judgments
  • Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
  • Jury instructions (in jury trials)
  • Verdicts and findings of fact
  • Sentencing information (in criminal cases)

Case Disposition Documents:

  • Final judgments
  • Settlement agreements (if filed)
  • Dismissal orders
  • Satisfaction of judgment notices
  • Appeals information
  • Post-judgment motions and orders

Administrative Records:

  • Judge or magistrate assignments
  • Court reporter information
  • Scheduling notices
  • Fee payment records
  • Interpreter requests

Pursuant to Ohio Supreme Court Superintendence Rule 44(C), certain information may be redacted or restricted from public access, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information regarding victims of certain offenses.

How Long Does Licking County Keep Court Records?

Licking County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Supreme Court of Ohio under Rules of Superintendence 26 through 26.05. These retention periods vary by record type and case category:

Common Pleas Court - General Division:

  • Civil cases: 5 years after final order
  • Felony cases: 50 years after final order
  • Capital punishment cases: Permanently
  • Dockets and indexes: Permanently
  • Journal entries: Permanently
  • Evidence and exhibits: Until case conclusion plus appeal time, unless ordered returned

Common Pleas Court - Domestic Relations Division:

  • Divorce/dissolution cases: 25 years after final order
  • Domestic violence cases: 5 years after final order
  • Support enforcement records: Until child reaches majority plus 1 year
  • Dockets and indexes: Permanently

Probate Court:

  • Estate administration: 12 years after final account
  • Guardianships: 5 years after termination
  • Adoptions: Permanently
  • Birth and death records: Permanently
  • Marriage licenses: Permanently

Municipal Court:

  • Civil cases: 5 years after final order
  • Criminal cases (misdemeanors): 5 years after final order
  • Traffic cases: 5 years after final order
  • Small claims: 2 years after final judgment

These retention periods are mandated by Ohio Revised Code § 2303.09 and the Rules of Superintendence. After the retention period expires, records may be:

  • Transferred to microfilm or electronic format
  • Transferred to the Ohio History Connection (formerly Ohio Historical Society)
  • Destroyed according to proper procedures

Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule. Additionally, the county may maintain some records beyond the minimum required periods at its discretion.

Types of Courts In Licking County

Licking County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority:

Licking County Court of Common Pleas - General Division
1 Courthouse Square, 3rd Floor
Newark, OH 43055
740-670-5790
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Licking County Common Pleas Court

Licking County Court of Common Pleas - Domestic Relations Division
1 Courthouse Square, 3rd Floor
Newark, OH 43055
740-670-5790
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Domestic Relations Division

Licking County Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division
1 Courthouse Square, 2nd Floor
Newark, OH 43055
740-670-5624
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Probate Court

Licking County Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division
1 Courthouse Square, 2nd Floor
Newark, OH 43055
740-670-5624
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Juvenile Court

Licking County Municipal Court
40 W Main Street
Newark, OH 43055
740-670-7800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Municipal Court

The court hierarchy in Ohio proceeds from local courts (Municipal, Mayor's Courts) to the Common Pleas Courts, then to the Fifth District Court of Appeals (which serves Licking County), and finally to the Supreme Court of Ohio, which is the court of last resort for state matters.

What Types of Cases Do Licking County Courts Hear?

Each court within Licking County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific types of cases as established by Ohio law:

Common Pleas Court - General Division:

  • Civil cases involving claims exceeding $15,000
  • Felony criminal prosecutions
  • Administrative appeals
  • Real property disputes
  • Complex commercial litigation
  • Foreclosure proceedings
  • Personal injury and tort claims
  • Contract disputes

Common Pleas Court - Domestic Relations Division:

  • Divorce and dissolution proceedings
  • Legal separation
  • Annulment
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support establishment and enforcement
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Domestic violence civil protection orders
  • Post-decree modifications

Common Pleas Court - Probate Division:

  • Estate administration
  • Will contests
  • Guardianships (minors and incompetent adults)
  • Conservatorships
  • Adoptions
  • Name changes
  • Marriage licenses
  • Mental health commitments

Common Pleas Court - Juvenile Division:

  • Delinquency cases (juvenile offenders)
  • Traffic offenses by minors
  • Unruly child proceedings
  • Abuse, neglect, and dependency cases
  • Paternity determinations
  • Juvenile protection orders
  • Child support for unmarried parents

Municipal Court:

  • Civil cases with claims up to $15,000
  • Small claims (up to $6,000)
  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Traffic violations
  • Preliminary hearings in felony cases
  • Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
  • Municipal ordinance violations

Mayor's Courts:

  • Minor traffic offenses
  • Local ordinance violations
  • First offense OVI/DUI cases
  • Cases punishable by fine only

Case assignment is determined by subject matter jurisdiction, amount in controversy, and geographic location within the county. The Ohio Court of Claims handles civil actions against the state and its agencies, including public records access disputes.

How To Find a Court Docket In Licking County

Court dockets in Licking County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

  1. For Common Pleas Court cases (General and Domestic Relations):

  2. For Probate Court cases:

  3. For Municipal Court cases:

    • Visit the Municipal Court website
    • Use the case search function
    • Enter search criteria
    • View docket information for specific cases

In-Person Docket Access:

  1. Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
  2. Request to view the docket for a specific case
  3. Provide case number or party names
  4. Review physical docket books or use public access terminals

Daily Court Calendars:

  1. Check court websites for daily hearing schedules
  2. Visit courthouse bulletin boards for posted calendars
  3. Contact the clerk's office for specific hearing information

Specialized Dockets: Licking County courts maintain specialized dockets for certain case types:

  • Criminal arraignment dockets
  • Civil pre-trial dockets
  • Foreclosure dockets
  • Traffic court dockets
  • Domestic relations hearing dockets

For appellate cases involving Licking County matters, the Supreme Court of Ohio Public Docket provides access to case activity at the state's highest court.

Docket information typically includes filing dates, document titles, hearing dates, judge assignments, and disposition information. However, the full text of documents may require separate requests or access methods.

Which Courts in Licking County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Ohio's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to maintain verbatim records of all proceedings, while "courts not of record" maintain only minimal documentation. According to Ohio Revised Code § 1901.01 and related statutes, the following distinctions apply in Licking County:

Courts Not of Record in Licking County:

  • Mayor's Courts in various municipalities, including:
    • Granville Mayor's Court
    • Hebron Mayor's Court
    • Johnstown Mayor's Court
    • Pataskala Mayor's Court
    • Utica Mayor's Court

These Mayor's Courts have limited jurisdiction over:

  • Minor misdemeanors
  • Traffic violations
  • Municipal ordinance violations
  • First-offense OVI/DUI cases (with limitations)

Key characteristics of these courts not of record include:

  • No requirement for verbatim transcripts of proceedings
  • Presiding mayors or magistrates need not be attorneys
  • Limited record-keeping requirements
  • Defendants have absolute right to transfer cases to Municipal Court
  • Appeals are heard de novo (completely new hearing) in Municipal Court

Courts of Record in Licking County: All other courts in Licking County are courts of record, including:

  • Licking County Court of Common Pleas (all divisions)
  • Licking County Municipal Court

These courts must maintain complete records of all proceedings, typically through court reporters or electronic recording systems. Appeals from these courts are based on the record created in the original proceedings.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for:

  • Appeal procedures
  • Record retention requirements
  • Precedential value of decisions
  • Procedural formality

Mayor's Courts operate under the authority of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1905 and are administratively overseen by the Supreme Court of Ohio, though they are not part of the judicial branch.

Lookup Court Records in Licking County

Licking County Clerk of Courts

Court Electronic Records

Common Pleas Case Records Search

Licking County Probate Court Record Search

Supreme Court of Ohio

Supreme Court of Ohio Public Docket

Ohio Court of Claims

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