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Stark County Court Records

What Is Stark County Court Records

Stark County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Stark County court system. These records document various legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil disputes, traffic violations, probate matters, and domestic relations cases. The Stark County Clerk of Courts is responsible for maintaining these records, ensuring they are properly filed, stored, and made accessible to the public as required by Ohio law.

Stark County Clerk of Courts, 115 Central Plaza North, Canton, OH 44702

Are Court Records Public In Stark County

Yes, most court records in Stark County are public information. According to Ohio's Public Records Law, court records are generally accessible to anyone who requests them. This transparency ensures accountability in the judicial system and allows citizens to stay informed about legal proceedings in their community.

However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect sensitive information. These exceptions typically include:

  • Juvenile records
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Mental health commitments
  • Cases involving minors
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Documents containing sensitive personal information

How To Find Court Records in Stark County in 2025

To find court records in Stark County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Visit the Stark County Clerk of Courts office in person Stark County Clerk of Courts, 115 Central Plaza North, Canton, OH 44702

  2. Use the online case search portal through the Clerk of Courts website

  3. Submit a written request for records by mail to the Clerk's office

  4. Contact the specific court division handling your case:

    • Common Pleas Court (Stark County Common Pleas Court, 101 W. Tuscarawas St., Canton, OH 44702)
    • Domestic Relations Court (Stark County Family Court, 110 Central Plaza South, Canton, OH 44702)
    • Probate Court (Stark County Probate Court, 101 W. Tuscarawas St., Suite 203, Canton, OH 44702)
    • Juvenile Court (Stark County Family Court, 110 Central Plaza South, Canton, OH 44702)
    • Municipal Courts (Canton Municipal Court, 218 Cleveland Ave SW, Canton, OH 44702; Massillon Municipal Court, 1 James Duncan Plaza SE, Massillon, OH 44646; Alliance Municipal Court, 470 E Market St, Alliance, OH 44601)

How To Look Up Court Records in Stark County Online?

Stark County offers several online resources for accessing court records:

  1. The Stark County Clerk of Courts website provides a comprehensive case search system where you can look up records by:

    • Case number
    • Party name
    • Attorney name
    • Filing date

  2. The Stark County Municipal Courts have their own online portals for searching cases within their jurisdiction.

  3. For certain specialized courts, like Probate Court, separate online search tools may be available.

When searching online, you'll typically need basic information such as a name, case number, or date range. Some records may only show basic case information online, requiring an in-person visit to view complete files.

Can You Search Stark County Court Records for Free?

Yes, searching Stark County court records is generally free, though there may be costs associated with obtaining copies:

  • Basic online searches through the Clerk of Courts website are free
  • In-person viewing of records at the courthouse is free
  • Printed copies typically cost $0.10-$0.25 per page
  • Certified copies of documents have additional fees
  • Extensive research assistance may incur staff time charges

The Stark County Clerk of Courts (115 Central Plaza North, Canton, OH 44702) can provide current fee information for specific record requests.

What's Included in a Stark County Court Record?

A typical Stark County court record may include:

  • Case number and filing date
  • Names of all parties involved (plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys)
  • Docket entries showing all actions taken in the case
  • Filed pleadings, motions, and other legal documents
  • Court orders and judgments
  • Hearing and trial transcripts (if requested and prepared)
  • Evidence submitted during proceedings (may require special access)
  • Financial information including fees, fines, and payments

The completeness of records varies by case type and age, with newer cases typically having more comprehensive digital records.

How Long Does Stark County Keep Court Records?

Stark County follows Ohio's record retention schedules, which vary by case type:

  • Felony cases: Permanently maintained
  • Misdemeanor cases: Generally kept for 5-50 years depending on severity
  • Civil cases: Typically retained for 5-25 years after case closure
  • Domestic relations cases: Often kept for 25 years or more
  • Probate records: Many are permanent records
  • Traffic cases: Usually kept for 5-25 years depending on severity

The Stark County Records Center (110 Central Plaza South, Suite 500, Canton, OH 44702) manages the archiving of older court records according to state guidelines.

Types of Courts In Stark County

Stark County's court system includes several levels:

  1. Common Pleas Court (101 W. Tuscarawas St., Canton, OH 44702)

    • General Division (civil cases over $15,000, felonies)
    • Domestic Relations Division (divorces, custody)
    • Probate Division (estates, guardianships)
    • Juvenile Division (juvenile offenses, custody)

  2. Municipal Courts

    • Canton Municipal Court (218 Cleveland Ave SW, Canton, OH 44702)
    • Massillon Municipal Court (1 James Duncan Plaza SE, Massillon, OH 44646)
    • Alliance Municipal Court (470 E Market St, Alliance, OH 44601)

  3. Mayor's Courts (limited jurisdiction in certain municipalities)

Each court maintains its own records, though the Clerk of Courts office handles records for many of these divisions.

What Types of Cases Do Stark County Courts Hear?

Stark County courts handle a wide range of legal matters:

  1. Common Pleas Court - General Division:

    • Felony criminal cases
    • Civil lawsuits over $15,000
    • Administrative appeals

  2. Domestic Relations Court:

    • Divorces and dissolutions
    • Child custody and support
    • Spousal support
    • Domestic violence protection orders

  3. Probate Court:

    • Wills and estate administration
    • Guardianships
    • Adoptions
    • Mental health commitments

  4. Juvenile Court:

    • Juvenile delinquency cases
    • Child abuse and neglect
    • Juvenile traffic offenses
    • Paternity and custody between unmarried parents

  5. Municipal Courts:

    • Misdemeanor criminal cases
    • Traffic violations
    • Civil cases under $15,000
    • Small claims (under $6,000)
    • Preliminary hearings for felonies

How To Find a Court Docket In Stark County

A court docket is a schedule of proceedings and a record of all actions taken in a case. To find a Stark County court docket:

  1. Online: Visit the Stark County Clerk of Courts website and use the case search function to locate your case. Docket information is typically viewable online.

  2. In person: Visit the Clerk of Courts office (115 Central Plaza North, Canton, OH 44702) and request to view the docket for a specific case.

  3. By phone: Contact the specific court division handling your case to inquire about docket information.

  4. For upcoming hearings: Many courts post daily dockets near courtrooms or on their websites.

When searching for docket information, having the case number is most efficient, though searches by name are also possible.

Which Courts in Stark County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Stark County, Mayor's Courts are not courts of record. These limited-jurisdiction courts handle minor violations of local ordinances and certain traffic offenses within their municipalities. Because they are not courts of record:

  • Proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim
  • Appeals from Mayor's Courts are heard "de novo" (completely new) in Municipal Court
  • Records kept by Mayor's Courts may be less formal than other courts

All other courts in Stark County—Common Pleas, Municipal, and their divisions—are courts of record, meaning they maintain official transcripts and detailed documentation of all proceedings.

Lookup Court Records in Stark County

Clerk of Courts - Welcome to Stark County, Ohio This page provides an overview of the services offered by the Stark County Clerk of Courts, including access to court records and other legal services.

Public Records Policy for Clerk of Courts This page outlines the public records policy for the Stark County Clerk of Courts, detailing how records are managed and accessed.

Printable Stark County Clerk of Courts Public Records Policy (PDF) This PDF document provides a detailed explanation of the public records policy for the Stark County Clerk of Courts, including definitions and procedures for accessing records.

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