Scioto County Public Records /Scioto County Court Records

Scioto County Court Records

What Is Scioto County Court Records

Court records in Scioto County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and are maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which governs public records in the state.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Probate documents including wills and estate inventories

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by other county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.

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

Scioto County Court of Common Pleas (General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate Divisions)
Portsmouth Municipal Court
County Court (handling matters in unincorporated areas)

The Scioto County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of records for the Court of Common Pleas, maintaining documentation for civil, criminal, domestic relations, and other case types as required by state law.

Are Court Records Public In Scioto County

Court records in Scioto County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under both the Ohio Public Records Act and the constitutional principle of open courts. The Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 16 establishes that "all courts shall be open," creating a presumption of public access to judicial proceedings and their associated records.

Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), "all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours." This statute specifically includes court records within its scope, though with certain exceptions.

Records typically available to the public include:

Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments, orders, and official decisions
Docket sheets and case indices
Hearing and trial schedules
Property records related to judgments and liens

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. Ohio law provides specific exemptions for:

Juvenile records (except in limited circumstances)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Certain domestic violence and stalking cases
Records sealed by court order
Grand jury proceedings
Documents containing sensitive personal identifiers

Access to federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (which includes Scioto County) is governed by federal rules rather than state law, though the presumption of openness remains similar.

The Ohio Supreme Court's Rules of Superintendence provide additional guidance on court record access, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.

How To Find Court Records in Scioto County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Scioto County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both in-person and electronic access options.

For in-person requests:

Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
Present valid identification if required for certain record types
Pay any applicable copy fees (typically $0.10-$1.00 per page)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

Scioto County Clerk of Courts
602 7th Street, Room 105
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8218
Scioto County Clerk of Courts

For electronic access:

Navigate to the appropriate court's website or records portal
Create an account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, filing date, or case type
Review search results and select desired records
Pay any applicable access or download fees
Download or print available documents

For records not available online:

Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate clerk's office
Include specific case information, document types sought, and contact information
Enclose payment for estimated copy fees if requesting physical copies
Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting delivery by mail

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(7), the custodian of records must provide copies at cost within a reasonable time. For extensive requests, staff may require additional processing time.

How To Look Up Court Records in Scioto County Online?

Scioto County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online, with varying levels of information availability depending on the court and case type.

The primary online resources include:

Ohio Courts Network (OCN) The Ohio Courts Network provides a centralized database of court records from participating courts throughout Ohio, including Scioto County. To use this system:

Navigate to the OCN public access portal
Register for an account if required
Select Scioto County from the jurisdiction menu
Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
Review available case information

Scioto County Clerk of Courts Online Records The Scioto County Clerk's Office maintains an online case information system for Court of Common Pleas cases:

Visit the Clerk's website
Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, domestic)
Enter search parameters
View basic case information, including parties, charges, and docket entries
Note that document images may require in-person requests

Portsmouth Municipal Court Records For cases within Portsmouth city limits:

Access the Portsmouth Municipal Court website
Navigate to the case search function
Enter defendant name or case number
Review available case information and status

Ohio Public Records Portal The Ohio Public Records Portal provides a centralized request system for records from multiple agencies:

Create an account
Submit a specific records request
Select Scioto County and the appropriate court
Provide case details and document specifications
Track request status through the portal

Users should note that online systems typically provide case indices and basic information, while complete case files and document images may require in-person requests or additional fees. Additionally, certain sensitive or sealed cases may not appear in public search results pursuant to Ohio law.

How To Search Scioto County Court Records for Free?

Ohio law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. According to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), "all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours." While copying fees may apply, examination of records is free of charge.

Free access options in Scioto County include:

In-Person Inspection Members of the public may visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours to view records at no cost:

Scioto County Clerk of Courts
602 7th Street, Room 105
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8218
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Portsmouth Municipal Court Clerk
728 2nd Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-354-3283
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Online Resources Several free online search options exist:

The Scioto County Clerk's basic case search provides free access to case indices and docket information without registration.
The Ohio Supreme Court's Public Case Information system offers free searches for appellate cases involving Scioto County matters.
The Portsmouth Municipal Court online search provides free access to basic case information for municipal violations and misdemeanors.

Public Access Terminals Computer terminals are available at the Scioto County Law Library and clerk's offices for free public searches of the court's electronic case management system. These terminals often provide more comprehensive access than remote online searches.

Scioto County Law Library
602 7th Street, 2nd Floor
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8218
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

While inspection is free, standard copy fees apply for printed documents (typically $0.10-$1.00 per page depending on the document type). Certified copies incur additional charges as established by the court's fee schedule.

What's Included in a Scioto County Court Record?

Court records in Scioto County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The content of these records is governed by the Ohio Rules of Superintendence and local court rules.

Civil Case Records typically include:

Complaint and initial pleadings
Summons and proof of service
Answers and counterclaims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Affidavits and sworn statements
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Final disposition and judgment entry
Post-judgment filings and collection documents

Criminal Case Records typically contain:

Indictment or criminal complaint
Arraignment information
Bond and pretrial release documents
Motions and responses
Plea agreements
Trial exhibits and evidence summaries
Sentencing information
Probation reports (with some restrictions)
Appeal notices and related filings

Domestic Relations Records generally include:

Divorce or dissolution petitions
Financial disclosure statements
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Child support worksheets and orders
Property division documents
Final decrees and post-decree modifications

Probate Records typically contain:

Wills and codicils
Estate inventories and appraisals
Administrator/executor appointments
Claims against estates
Distribution plans
Guardianship documents
Adoption records (with restricted access)

Each case file also includes a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and court actions. This document provides a comprehensive overview of case progression and outcome.

Pursuant to Ohio Supreme Court guidelines, certain sensitive information is redacted from public court records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Minor children's names (in many contexts)
Medical and mental health information
Victim identification in certain cases

How Long Does Scioto County Keep Court Records?

Scioto County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.38 and the Ohio Supreme Court Rules of Superintendence, specifically Rules 26-26.05, which mandate minimum retention periods for judicial records.

Key retention periods include:

Civil Cases:

General civil cases: 5 years after final disposition
Personal injury/property damage: 2 years after final disposition
Professional tort cases: 12 years after final disposition
Product liability cases: 15 years after final disposition
Real property cases: Permanently maintained
Administrative appeals: 3 years after final disposition

Criminal Cases:

Felony cases: 50 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
Traffic cases: 5 years after final disposition
DUI/OVI cases: 50 years after final disposition
Capital punishment cases: Permanently maintained

Domestic Relations:

Divorce/dissolution records: Permanently maintained
Domestic violence cases: 5 years after final disposition
Child support enforcement: Until child reaches age 23 or 5 years after final disposition, whichever is later

Probate Records:

Estate administration: 12 years after final account approval
Guardianships: 5 years after termination
Wills: Permanently maintained
Trusts: 10 years after termination

Juvenile Records:

Delinquency cases: Until child's 23rd birthday or 2 years after final disposition, whichever is later
Dependency, neglect, abuse: 2 years after child reaches age of majority
Permanent custody cases: Permanently maintained

The Scioto County Records Commission, established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.38, oversees the implementation of these retention schedules and may establish longer retention periods for certain record types. Additionally, records with historical significance may be transferred to the Ohio History Connection (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) for permanent preservation rather than destruction.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may differ. The county's electronic case management system maintains digital records according to these same statutory timeframes.

Types of Courts In Scioto County

Scioto County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels within Ohio's unified court system.

Scioto County Court of Common Pleas - General Division
602 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8218
Scioto County Common Pleas Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Scioto County Court of Common Pleas - Domestic Relations Division
602 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8219
Domestic Relations Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Scioto County Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division
602 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8350
Juvenile Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Scioto County Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division
602 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8190
Probate Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Portsmouth Municipal Court
728 2nd Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-354-3283
Portsmouth Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Scioto County Court
602 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8218
Scioto County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Scioto County follows the standard Ohio judicial structure:

Municipal and County Courts (limited jurisdiction)
Court of Common Pleas (general trial jurisdiction)
Ohio Court of Appeals, 4th District (appellate jurisdiction)
Ohio Supreme Court (final appellate authority)

Cases typically begin in either Municipal Court or the Court of Common Pleas, depending on the case type and amount in controversy. Appeals from these courts are directed to the 4th District Court of Appeals, which serves Scioto and 13 other southeastern Ohio counties. The Ohio Supreme Court serves as the court of last resort for state law matters.

What Types of Cases Do Scioto County Courts Hear?

Scioto County's courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type, monetary value, and geographic boundaries as established by the Ohio Revised Code.

Court of Common Pleas - General Division

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil cases with claims exceeding $15,000
Administrative appeals from state and local agencies
Real property disputes
Complex commercial litigation
Post-conviction relief petitions
Civil protection orders
Appeals from municipal and county courts

Court of Common Pleas - Domestic Relations Division

Divorce and dissolution proceedings
Legal separation cases
Spousal support determinations
Property division in marital cases
Post-decree modification requests
Domestic violence civil protection orders
Foreign judgment domestication

Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division

Delinquency cases involving minors
Unruly child proceedings
Juvenile traffic offenses
Dependency, neglect, and abuse cases
Permanent custody determinations
Paternity establishment
Child support enforcement for unmarried parents
Juvenile protection orders

Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division

Estate administration
Will contests
Guardianships for minors and incompetent adults
Conservatorships
Trust administration
Adoption proceedings
Name changes
Mental health commitments
Marriage licenses

Portsmouth Municipal Court

Misdemeanor criminal cases within city limits
Traffic violations within city limits
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Small claims up to $6,000
Civil cases up to $15,000
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Municipal ordinance violations
Parking infractions

Scioto County Court

Misdemeanor criminal cases outside city limits
Traffic violations in unincorporated areas
Small claims up to $6,000
Civil cases up to $15,000
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Township and county ordinance violations

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established in Ohio Revised Code § 2301.03 for Common Pleas Courts and § 1901.20 for Municipal Courts. The monetary thresholds for civil jurisdiction are set by Ohio Revised Code § 1907.03 and § 1901.17.

How To Find a Court Docket In Scioto County

Court dockets in Scioto County provide chronological listings of all filings, hearings, and judicial actions in a case. These records are accessible through several methods pursuant to Ohio's public records laws.

Online Docket Access:

Scioto County Clerk of Courts Online Records
- Visit the Scioto County Clerk's website
- Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, domestic)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review docket entries showing filings and court actions
- Note that document images may not be available online
Portsmouth Municipal Court Online Search
- Access the Portsmouth Municipal Court website
- Navigate to the case search function
- Enter defendant name or case number
- View docket information for municipal cases

In-Person Docket Access:

Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours:

Scioto County Clerk of Courts
602 7th Street, Room 105
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8218
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Portsmouth Municipal Court Clerk
728 2nd Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-354-3283
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Request docket information by providing:
- Case number (if known)
- Party names
- Approximate filing date
- Case type
Review docket information on public access terminals or request printed copies (copy fees apply)

Telephone Docket Information:

Basic docket information may be obtained by calling the appropriate clerk's office during business hours. Staff can provide:

Next hearing dates
Case status
Recent filings
Judge assignment

For comprehensive docket research, the Scioto County Law Library provides public access terminals and research assistance for locating case information across multiple courts.

Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), docket information must be made promptly available for public inspection during regular business hours. While inspection is free, standard copy fees apply for printed docket sheets.

Which Courts in Scioto County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Ohio's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by Ohio Revised Code § 1.11 as a court that maintains formal documentation of its proceedings, including transcripts and detailed records that can be used in appeals. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and may not maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings.

Within Scioto County, the following are not courts of record:

Mayor's Courts Mayor's Courts operate in municipalities throughout Scioto County and are explicitly designated as not courts of record under Ohio Revised Code § 1905.033. These courts:

Handle minor misdemeanors and traffic violations
Are presided over by mayors or appointed magistrates
Do not require presiding officers to be attorneys
Maintain only basic records of proceedings
Do not produce official transcripts
Allow defendants to request transfer to Municipal Court
Permit appeals to be tried de novo (completely new) in Municipal Court

Mayor's Courts currently operating in Scioto County include:

New Boston Mayor's Court
3980 Rhodes Avenue
New Boston, OH 45662
740-456-4103
Hours: Sessions typically held bi-weekly

South Webster Mayor's Court
P.O. Box 38
South Webster, OH 45682
740-778-2371
Hours: Sessions typically held monthly

Small Claims Divisions While technically part of Municipal and County Courts, Small Claims Divisions operate with relaxed procedural and evidentiary rules under Ohio Revised Code § 1925.01. These proceedings:

Handle civil disputes under $6,000
Maintain simplified records
Do not typically produce verbatim transcripts
Allow for appeals to be heard de novo in some circumstances

All other courts in Scioto County, including the Court of Common Pleas (General, Domestic, Juvenile, and Probate Divisions), Portsmouth Municipal Court, and Scioto County Court, are courts of record. These courts maintain comprehensive documentation of all proceedings, including official transcripts when requested, and their records serve as the official basis for appellate review.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appeal purposes, as appeals from courts not of record typically result in entirely new trials rather than reviews of existing records.