Portage County, Ohio Court Records

Portage County court records are official documents generated during legal trials by the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Municipal Courts, and Mayor’s Court. The Portage County judicial system creates court records to preserve filings, rulings, and outcomes for matters such as civil disputes, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, probate matters, and traffic offenses, in compliance with the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.

In Portage County, the clerk’s offices of the various courts create and maintain court records for cases filed under their jurisdiction. These are the Portage County Clerk of Courts (custodian of Court of Common Pleas records), the Municipal Courts clerk offices, and the Mogadore Mayor’s Court clerk’s office.

Portage County’s court records are related, but distinct from some of its other public records. For instance, the county’s birth and death certificates often play significant roles in probate adjudications, which subsequently lead to the creation of probate records. Likewise, documentation from law enforcement, such as arrest records and incident reports, provides a foundation for criminal case prosecutions. Hence, leading to the creation of criminal court records.

Are Portage County Court Records Public?

Yes, Portage County court records are public. However, access depends on the specific information and the type of case. Section 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code grants individuals the right to review or copy government records (including Portage County court records). Nonetheless, there are exemptions. While individuals can access files of civil, criminal, probate, and some family law cases. There may be redaction of sensitive personal details. Furthermore, the public cannot scrutinize Portage County’s court records relating to:

Juvenile cases
Adoption
Certain domestic relations filings
Expunged or sealed cases
Ongoing judicial or law enforcement investigation.

Portage County Court Records Search

There are several options for individuals who seek access to Portage County court records. These documents are accessible online and offline. Depending on convenience and the type of Court record, individuals can access Portage County court through any of the following options.

Online Access

Typically, online access is the fastest way to obtain Portage County court records. The Portage County Clerk of Courts Office provides access to court records through its CourtView Online Case Search System. This online tool provides access to basic case information from Portage County Common Pleas Court and Municipal Courts. Users can search for case details by name, case types, case number, and ticket/citation number. Nonetheless, online access to Portage County court records may differ by case types.

In-person access

The CourtView Portal does not provide access to full case records. Individuals who require certified copies of Portage County’s court records or access to full case files may need to visit the Portage County Clerk of Court Office during office hours at:

203 West Main Street,

Ravenna,

OH 44266.

The Portage County Clerk of Courts Office also provides access to court records through Public Access Terminals, where record seekers can search electronic case records or request to view paper files when applicable. Additionally, staff members may assist individuals in searching for case records.

Mail and phone requests

The Portage County Clerk of Courts also permits mail requests for court records. Individuals who prefer this option should call the following lines to inquire about fees and other requirements for mail access to Portage County court records:

Clerk of Court Office - (330) 298-3049

Municipal Court Clerk’s Offices

Ravenna Municipal Court - (330) 297-3639 (traffic/criminal division), (330) 297-3635 (civil division)
Kent Municipal Court - (330) 678-9100 (traffic/criminal division), (330) 678-9170 (civil division).

Typically, a mail request for Portage County court records should include the names of the subjects (plaintiffs and defendants), the case number, and the filing dates. Additionally, requesters should enclose self-addressed envelopes and checks or money orders to cover applicable payments.

Fees for Court Records in Portage County

In Portage County, Ohio, court records typically cost $0.10 to $0.25 per page for standard copies, $1.00 per page for certified copies. These fees apply when requesting case files, judgments, or other court documents directly from the Clerk of Courts. The Portage County Clerk of Courts also charges $25.00 for copies of birth and death certificates.

Portage County Courthouse Locations

Portage County’s court system consists of its Common Pleas, Municipal, and Mayor’s Courts. The list outlines the various Portage County courts and the types of cases they handle.

Portage County Common Pleas Court - General Division

203 W. Main Street,

P.O. 1035,

Ravenna,

OH 44266

Phone: (330) 297-3644

Fax: (330) 297-4554

Case types

Felony criminal cases
Civil cases exceeding $15,000
Administrative appeals

Portage County Court of Common Pleas - Domestic Relations Division

203 W Main Street,

P.O. Box 1035,

Ravenna,

OH 44266

Phone: (330) 297-3475

Fax: (330) 297-4268

Case types

Divorce and dissolution of marriage
Child custody and visitation disputes
Child support and spousal support matters
Domestic violence civil protection orders
Post-decree modifications

Portage County Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division

8000 Infirmary Road,

Ravenna,

OH 44266

Phone: (330) 297-0881

Fax: (330) 297-2227

Case types

Delinquency (juvenile criminal matters)
Unruly and status offenses
Juvenile traffic cases
Dependency/neglect and abuse cases
Parentage and support issues involving juveniles

Portage County Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division

203 W Main Street,

P.O. Box 936,

Ravenna,

OH 44266

Phone: (330) 297-3870

Fax: (330) 298-1100

Case types

Estate administration and will contests
Guardianships and conservatorships for minors or incapacitated adults
Adoptions and name changes
Mental health commitments and related matters

Portage County Municipal Courts

Portage County Municipal Court - Kent Branch

303 E Main Street,

Kent,

OH 44240

Phone: (330) 678-9170 (Civil), 330-678-9100 (Criminal/Traffic)

Fax: (330) 678-5107 (Civil), 330-677-9944 (Criminal/Traffic)

Case types

Misdemeanors
Traffic Offenses
Small claims
Initial hearings in felony cases
Violation of municipal ordinances

Portage County Municipal Court - Ravenna Branch

203 W Main Street,

P.O. Box 958,

Ravenna,

OH 44266

Phone: (330) 297-3635 (Civil), (330) 297-3639 (Criminal/Traffic)

Fax: 330-297-3526 (Civil), (330) 297-5867 (Criminal/Traffic)

Case types

Misdemeanors
Traffic Offenses
Small claims
Initial hearings in felony cases
Violation of municipal ordinances

Mogadore Mayor’s Court

135 S Cleveland Avenue,

Mogadore,

OH 44260

Phone: (330) 628-6295

Case types

Minor traffic offenses
Local ordinance violations
Minor misdemeanor matters.

Criminal Records Access in Portage County

Unlike Portage County criminal case records, local courts clerk offices do not handle official criminal history reports. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) under the Ohio Attorney General’s Office is the official repository for statewide criminal history records. This agency compiles arrest and conviction data from law enforcement agencies across the state and makes it accessible through fingerprint-based requests and authorized vendors.

By comparison, Portage County’s criminal court records are accessible through the county’s court clerk’s offices or the Portage County Clerk of Courts CourtView Online Case Search System. While individuals can access statewide criminal background checks through the BCI, local court clerk offices provide access to criminal case records within their jurisdictions. A Portage County criminal court record reflects court activity only and is not a comprehensive statewide criminal history report.

Portage County Probate Records

Portage County probate court records refer to official documents generated by the Probate Division of the Portage County Court of Common Pleas during probate adjudications. These encompass documents relating to Will probate, trusts, estate administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships.

Generally, probate records include, but are not limited to:

Last Will/Testament
Application or petition to open an estate
Letters of authority/letters testamentary
Notice of probate or notice to heirs and beneficiaries
Inventory and appraisal of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Accountings
Court orders and judgments
Receipts and waivers
Final account and certificate of transfer
Petitions for guardianship or conservatorship
Guardian’s or conservator’s Reports.

Most Portage County probate records are public, and recent probate filings may be searched online through the Portage County Clerk of Courts CourtView Online Case Search System. However, access to older estate records or Wills may require in-person visits to the Portage County Clerk of Courts Office.

Portage County Family Court Records

Portage County family law records document legal matters handled by the Domestic Relations Division of the Portage County Court of Common Pleas. These documents relate to issues such as:

Divorce
Dissolution of marriage
Child custody and visitation
Child and spousal support
Parentage
Adoption-related proceedings
Paternity.

Due to the sensitive nature of family law matters, access to Portage County’s family law records varies depending on the type of case and the documents. Nonetheless, individuals can access information such as party names, filing dates, and docket entries through the Portage County Clerk of Courts CourtView Online Case Search System. For certified copies or full access to Portage County family law records, interested parties should visit the Portage County Clerk of Courts Office with valid government-issued photo identification documents and payments to cover all applicable costs.

Federal Court Records in Portage County

Federal court records refer to case files on legal matters within the jurisdiction of the United States federal courts. In Portage County, civil and criminal prosecutions under federal law fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. This court handles cases such as:

Federal criminal prosecutions
Civil rights claims
Immigration matters
Bankruptcy-related proceedings
Lawsuits involving the U.S. government or parties from different states under federal jurisdiction.

Federal case records, including those of the District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, are maintained by the Clerk of the U.S. District Court and are accessible online through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). PACER provides access to:

Case dockets showing a chronological list of filings and court activity
Party information, including names of plaintiffs, defendants, and attorneys
Filed documents, such as complaints, motions, briefs, and responses
Court orders and opinions, including rulings and judgments
Hearing and trial dates (when publicly scheduled)
Case status updates
Bankruptcy filings, including petitions, schedules, and trustee reports
Appellate records for cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals.

Individuals who prefer in-person reviews of case files of federal trials originating from Portage County should visit the Clerk’s Office of any of the following federal courthouses:

John F. Seiberling Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse

2 South Main Street,

Akron,

OH 44308

Phone: (330) 252-6000

Carl B. Stokes U.S. Courthouse

801 West Superior Avenue,

Cleveland,

OH 44113

Phone: (216) 357-7000

United States Courthouse

1716 Spielbusch Avenue,

Toledo,

OH 43604

Phone: (419) 213-5500

Thomas D. Lambros Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse

125 Market Street,

Youngstown,

OH 44503

Phone: (330) 884-7400.