Scioto County court records in Ohio are available through several channels. SciotoCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, official court portals, Clerk of Courts offices, and public terminals in court buildings provide access to case registers, hearing schedules, and court documents. Below is a practical guide on searching, obtaining copies, and paying for court records in Scioto County.
Scioto Court System & Jurisdictions
Two main courts of general jurisdiction operate in the county, each with clearly defined competencies.
Scioto County Common Pleas Court
This is a court of general jurisdiction that handles:
- Criminal cases for felonies
- Civil lawsuits over $15,000
- Real estate cases, foreclosure enforcement
- Appeals on administrative agency decisions
The Common Pleas Court includes separate divisions:
- Probate Division — inheritance cases, guardianship, name changes, adoptions, marriage licenses issuance
- Juvenile Division — cases involving minors: offenses, dependency, guardianship
- Domestic Relations Division — divorces, property division, alimony, paternity determination
Portsmouth Municipal Court
The Portsmouth Municipal Court serves the city and part of the county. It handles smaller cases:
- Misdemeanors
- Traffic violations and fines
- Civil lawsuits up to $15,000
- Small Claims up to $6,000
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Data on traffic incidents recorded by the county sheriff can also be checked through the Ohio Crash Retrieval system. Information about inmates convicted in Scioto County is published by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
According to § 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code, most court records are public. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed sentences, and some records in family matters.
Scioto Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today or this week, refer to one of the following sources:
- Clerk of Courts Office — publishes the daily schedule of Common Pleas Court hearings. Call (740) 355-8316 or visit the office in person.
- Portsmouth Municipal Court — the municipal court schedule is usually available on the court's website or by calling the office.
- Ohio Supreme Court — maintains a statewide database of court cases, where individual court schedules sometimes appear.
Public terminals in the court building at 602 7th Street allow you to view the schedule without an appointment. If you need to confirm a specific hearing date, the quickest way is to call the clerk of the respective court.
How to Get a Copy of a Scioto Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document in three ways.
1. In Person at the Office
Visit the Clerk of Courts in the court building. You will need the case number or the full name of a party. The clerk will issue a regular (uncertified) or certified copy — the latter has the court's seal and the clerk's signature confirming authenticity.
2. By Mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, document type, and number of copies. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
3. Online
Some documents are available through electronic court portals. Check SciotoCourt.us for case information. To obtain a certified copy, online access is usually insufficient — you will need to apply in person or by mail.
Certified copies are required for most official purposes: filing in another court, immigration procedures, confirming the absence of a criminal record. A regular copy is suitable for familiarization.
Records sealed under § 2953.32 of the Ohio Revised Code are not available for public request. If your record has been sealed, contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the Ohio Attorney General's office to check the status.
Scioto Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set by local court rules and state law. Below are approximate rates for Scioto County Common Pleas Court — verify current amounts directly with the office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular copy (per page) | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| Certified copy | $1.00 – $2.00 per document |
| Case register search (by name) | Free in person; a fee may be charged for a written request |
| Filing a record sealing application | $50.00 (set by state law) |
| Apostille / additional certification | Depends on the Secretary of State |
Payment is accepted in cash, money order, or check made payable to "Scioto County Clerk of Courts." Check with the office for credit card payment options.
According to the Ohio Sunshine Laws, government agencies are not allowed to charge for access to public records — only for making copies. If you are denied access or charged an unreasonable fee, you have the right to file a complaint with the state attorney general's office.