Navigating the legal system can be challenging. This guide provides essential information about the Scioto County Common Pleas Court in Portsmouth, Ohio. Whether researching a case, preparing for a court appearance, or simply seeking information, this guide offers valuable resources and insights.
The Scioto County Common Pleas Court comprises two divisions, each with distinct responsibilities:
General Division
This division handles serious criminal cases (felonies) and major civil disputes, such as lawsuits involving significant sums of money or property. Judge Howard H. Harcha, III presides over this division. The General Division courtroom is located at 602 Seventh Street, Portsmouth, Ohio. You can contact the General Division at (740) 355-8207.
Domestic Relations Division
This division addresses family-related legal matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support. It shares the same building as the General Division at 602 Seventh Street, Room 304, Portsmouth, Ohio. The Domestic Relations Division strives “to help families in transition restructure their lives by reaching compassionate and just resolutions to parenting and property disputes within the bounds of the laws of the State of Ohio.” You can contact the Judge’s office at (740) 355-8316, the Magistrate at (740) 353-1646, or send a fax to (740) 355-8205. It is important to distinguish this court from the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), which enforces court orders related to child support rather than making the initial rulings. The Domestic Relations Court operates under specific local rules, established pursuant to Rule 9 of the Rules of Superintendence of the Common Pleas Courts, which are subject to amendment. Court calendars and case information may be available online via CourtReference.com.
Accessing Court Records
Finding Scioto County court records involves several methods:
Online Access
The Scioto County Clerk of Courts website likely offers the most direct access to online records, including docket sheets for criminal, civil, and domestic relations cases. However, online records might not always reflect real-time updates. For the most current information, contacting the Clerk’s office directly at (740) 355-8218 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) is recommended. The Scioto County Common Pleas Court website may also provide docket sheets and general court information. Additional resources such as OhioCourtRecords.us might offer broader search capabilities and access to records like inmate information, criminal histories, and other vital records.
In-Person Access
Visiting the courthouse at 602 7th Street, Room 205, Portsmouth, OH 45662, allows access to physical records. Contacting the Clerk’s office beforehand is suggested to understand specific requirements or potential access limitations.
Search Strategies
Effective online searches often involve using specific information like the case number, names of parties involved, and approximate filing date. Be sure to check websites like OhioCourtRecords.us. For criminal background checks, the Ohio Attorney General and Bureau of Criminal Investigation are valuable resources. Though less likely to offer online resources, the Scioto County Law Library also may be a good source of information.
Key Personnel and Contact Information
Connecting with the right individuals within the court system can be crucial:
Court Officials
Judge Howard H. Harcha, III: Presides over the General Division. You can likely find his contact information on the court’s official website.
Clerk of Courts: Contact the Clerk’s office at (740) 355-8218 or visit their office at 602 7th Street, Room 205, Portsmouth, OH 45662, for information regarding court procedures and access to records. For digital copies of court records, try their online records access portal at https://sciotoclerk.com/online-records. Their Legal division can be contacted at the same phone number or by fax at (740) 354-2057 or via email at [email protected].
Court Administrator: Christina K. Kraft, located in Room 303, can be reached at (740) 355-8327.
Additional Support
While court personnel can offer procedural guidance and access to records, they cannot provide legal advice. For legal counsel, it’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney or seek assistance from local legal aid organizations.
Important Considerations
COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic may have altered court procedures, so contacting the court or checking their website for the latest updates is recommended.
Website Changes: Court websites and online platforms occasionally change, so finding their current online presence might require online searches if the provided links are outdated.
Disclaimer: Scioto County and the Clerk of Courts are not liable for damages arising from the use of their online services.
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