Court Records

If you’re seeking information about Franklin County OH court records, you’ve come to the right place. Court records in Franklin County are essential legal documents that provide insight into various cases, including civil, criminal, and traffic matters. Accessing these records can be crucial for a wide range of reasons, such as legal research, background checks, or understanding case outcomes. In this guide, we’ll explore the comprehensive ways in which you can access Franklin County OH court records and the relevant departments that handle them.

What Are Court Records?

Court records in Franklin County OH encompass all the documentation related to legal proceedings within the jurisdiction. These records may include case files, dockets, motions, judgments, and other essential documents produced during a court case. Court records are typically public documents, though certain cases may have restrictions based on confidentiality laws.

Court records can be categorized into various types, including:

Civil Court Records: These include lawsuits related to contracts, property disputes, personal injuries, and more.

Criminal Court Records: These involve criminal charges against an individual, including felony, misdemeanor, and traffic violations.

Traffic Court Records: These records focus on violations related to driving offenses.

Eviction and Small Claims Records: These cases involve disputes regarding rental properties and minor financial claims.

Accessing these records can give you insight into the progress and outcome of specific cases.

How to Access Franklin County OH Court Records

There are multiple ways to access court records in Franklin County, whether you're interested in civil, criminal, or traffic case information. The most efficient methods include using online services, visiting the court in person, or requesting records by phone. Let’s break these down.

Online Case Records Search

Franklin County offers an easy-to-use Case Records Search tool where you can find detailed information about a wide array of cases filed in the county. Whether you’re searching by case number, name, or ticket number, this tool enables you to access public case data quickly.

Key fields for searching include:

Case Number: The most efficient way to search for specific cases.
Ticket Number: If you are looking for traffic violation records.
Party Names: A first and last name are required for searches by name.

To ensure the accuracy of your search results, consider including additional details such as the case year or party type. You may also narrow down your search by specifying the case status, whether it's open or closed.

For more information on searching Franklin County court records online, visit the Franklin County Municipal Court’s official case search page.

Public Records Request

If you are unable to find the information you need through the online search tool, you can submit a Public Records Request for more detailed records. This method is ideal for those seeking copies of specific documents or for cases that may have special restrictions.

Public records requests are generally processed by the Clerk of Courts. To get started, visit their Public Records Request page.

Franklin County Court Departments Handling Court Records

Various departments within the Franklin County court system maintain different types of court records. Here are the main departments and their respective functions:

Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk

The Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk handles criminal, civil, and traffic case records. The Clerk's office maintains dockets, case files, and other important documents for the municipal court.

Contact Information:

Phone: (614) 645-8214
Address: 375 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Franklin County Clerk of Courts

The Franklin County Clerk of Courts is the main department responsible for maintaining a wide range of case records, including those for civil, criminal, and traffic cases in the Common Pleas Court and Domestic Relations Court. This department is also responsible for the record-keeping and filing of new cases and judgments.

Contact Information:

Phone: (614) 525-3600
Address: 373 S High St., 23rd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

For more information, visit the Franklin County Clerk of Courts website.

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court responsible for handling felony criminal cases, civil cases above $15,000, and domestic relations cases. Records from this court are available online or through the Clerk’s office.

Contact Information:

Phone: (614) 525-3453
Address: 345 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Franklin County Juvenile Court

Juvenile court records in Franklin County are maintained by the Franklin County Juvenile Court. These records pertain to cases involving minors, including delinquency, dependency, and custody cases.

Contact Information:

Phone: (614) 525-4411
Address: 373 S. High St., 4th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Franklin County Domestic Relations Court

The Franklin County Domestic Relations Court handles family-related cases such as divorces, child custody disputes, and child support matters. Court records from this division include all legal documents and proceedings related to family law.

Contact Information:

Phone: (614) 525-3628
Address: 373 S. High St., 6th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Sealing or Expunging Court Records

In some cases, individuals may wish to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. In Franklin County, you can contact the Clerk’s office for assistance with this process. Expunging a criminal record means that the record is sealed and is no longer available to the public.

For help with expunging records, you can contact the Clerk of Courts at:

Phone: (614) 645-1706
Address: 375 S High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Franklin County Court Records Resources

For any inquiries related to court records, including obtaining copies of documents, checking case status, or seeking specific case details, the following resources will guide you to the appropriate department:

Franklin County Clerk of Courts
Phone: (614) 525-3600
Address: 373 S High St., 23rd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk
Phone: (614) 645-8214
Address: 375 S High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
Phone: (614) 525-3453
Address: 345 S High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Franklin County Juvenile Court
Phone: (614) 525-4411
Address: 373 S High St., 4th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Franklin County Domestic Relations Court
Phone: (614) 525-3628
Address: 373 S High St., 6th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

By using the official resources provided by these court departments, you can effectively navigate the process of accessing Franklin County OH court records, whether for personal, legal, or professional reasons.

Franklin County Court Records FAQs

What if I Can’t Find the Record I’m Looking For?

If you are unable to locate a specific case through the online search tool, you can submit a Public Records Request. The Franklin County Clerk of Courts handles these requests, allowing you to obtain copies of documents or more detailed records that may not be available online. More details on how to submit a request can be found on the Public Records Request page.

Can I Get Criminal Court Records from the Municipal Court?

Yes, criminal court records for cases in Franklin County are maintained by the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk. You can search for criminal case records directly on the Franklin County Municipal Court website. The records include details about misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and other criminal matters heard at the municipal court.

How Can I Request Copies of My Court Records?

If you need copies of court records, you can request them through the Clerk of Courts. For documents from the Franklin County Municipal Court, you may also contact their office directly or visit their Forms page for relevant forms that facilitate your request.

How Do I Expunge My Criminal Record in Franklin County?

Expunging or sealing a criminal record in Franklin County can be done through the Clerk of Courts’ office. To begin the process, contact the Self-Help Resource Center for guidance. If you qualify for expungement, the Clerk’s office can assist in completing the required forms and submitting your request.