Stark County Court Records
What Is Stark County Court Records
Stark County court records are official documents created, maintained, and archived by the various courts operating within Stark County, Ohio. These records document judicial proceedings and serve as the official account of actions taken by the courts. Court records typically include case filings, motions, orders, judgments, and other documents submitted during legal proceedings.
The maintenance of court records is primarily the responsibility of the Stark County Clerk of Courts, who serves as the official record keeper for the Court of Common Pleas and its divisions. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2303.08, the Clerk is required to "file and safely keep all journals, records, books, and papers" pertaining to court proceedings.
Stark County Clerk of Courts 115 Central Plaza North Canton, OH 44702 Phone: (330) 451-7786 Stark County Clerk of Courts
Court records serve multiple purposes:
- Provide a historical account of court proceedings
- Ensure transparency in the judicial system
- Allow parties to reference previous court actions
- Enable researchers and the public to analyze court activities
- Serve as evidence in subsequent legal matters
The format of court records has evolved over time, with many records now being created and stored electronically, though paper records for older cases are still maintained in accordance with retention schedules established by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Are Court Records Public In Stark County
Court records in Stark County are generally considered public documents in accordance with Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43) and the common law right of access to court records. The Ohio Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and the records generated by those proceedings.
Members of the public may access most court records through various means, including:
- In-person requests at the Clerk of Courts office
- Online access through the Clerk's electronic case management system
- Written requests submitted to the appropriate court division
However, certain limitations and exceptions to public access exist:
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with certain exceptions)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers
- Grand jury proceedings
Additionally, pursuant to Ohio Superintendence Rule 45, certain information may be redacted from otherwise public court records to protect privacy interests while maintaining the public's right to access court documents. The courts balance the presumption of openness with legitimate privacy and security concerns.
Requests for access to public court records may be made during regular business hours at the Stark County Clerk of Courts office or through their online portal. The Clerk's office is authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies of records in accordance with Ohio law.
How To Find Court Records in Stark County in 2025
Individuals seeking court records in Stark County in 2025 have several methods available to locate and access these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of record sought and its age.
For recent and active cases, the most efficient method is utilizing the electronic resources provided by the Stark County Clerk of Courts. The Clerk maintains a comprehensive online case management system that allows users to search for cases by name, case number, or filing date. This system is accessible through the Clerk's official website.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Stark County Clerk of Courts - Legal Division 115 Central Plaza North Canton, OH 44702 Phone: (330) 451-7786 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Stark County Clerk's Office
To locate specific court records, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- Full names of parties involved
- Approximate date of case filing
- Case number (if known)
- Type of case (civil, criminal, domestic, etc.)
For older records that may not be available electronically, the Clerk maintains an archive section where historical court documents are preserved. Requests for archived records may require additional processing time and may incur research fees as permitted under Ohio Revised Code § 2303.20.
Municipal court records for Canton, Massillon, and Alliance are maintained separately by their respective clerk's offices and may require direct contact with those courts. The Canton Municipal Court maintains its own records system for cases within its jurisdiction.
How To Look Up Court Records in Stark County Online?
Stark County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several electronic platforms maintained by different court divisions. These systems allow users to search and retrieve public court documents without visiting the courthouse in person.
The primary online resources for accessing Stark County court records include:
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Stark County Clerk of Courts Case Search - This system provides access to Common Pleas Court records, including civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney.
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Canton Municipal Court Online Docket - For cases within the Canton Municipal Court jurisdiction, including misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil matters under $15,000, records can be accessed through the court's online docket search system.
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Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) - For federal cases in the Northern District of Ohio, which includes Stark County, records are available through the federal PACER system.
When conducting online searches, users should note:
- Some records may have restricted access due to statutory limitations
- Older cases may not be fully digitized
- Document images may require payment of nominal fees to view
- Case information is typically updated within 24-48 hours of court activity
Pursuant to Ohio Supreme Court guidelines on technology, electronic access to court records must balance public access with privacy concerns. Therefore, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of documents, even when the complete records are available for in-person inspection.
For technical assistance with online court record searches, users may contact the Stark County Clerk of Courts Information Technology Department at (330) 451-7786.
Can You Search Stark County Court Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Stark County court records without payment of fees, though some services do carry associated costs. The availability of free access varies by court and record type.
Free search options include:
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Basic case information searches through the Stark County Clerk of Courts online portal are available at no cost. This includes party names, case numbers, filing dates, and general case status information.
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Public access terminals located at the Stark County Clerk of Courts office provide free on-site access to electronic court records. These terminals are available during regular business hours:
Stark County Clerk of Courts 115 Central Plaza North Canton, OH 44702 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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The Canton Municipal Court offers free online access to basic case information for matters within its jurisdiction.
Services that typically require payment include:
- Printed copies of court documents (pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2303.20, the Clerk may charge $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies of court records ($1.00 per certification plus copy fees)
- Extensive research requests requiring staff assistance ($20.00 per hour after the first hour)
- Access to document images online (typically $1.00 per document)
The Ohio Court of Claims, which handles certain claims against the state, provides information about public records complaints on their website, including procedures for addressing disputes about access to public records.
It should be noted that while search functions may be free, obtaining official copies of documents generally incurs statutory fees that support the maintenance of the record-keeping system.
What's Included in a Stark County Court Record?
Stark County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings from initiation through disposition. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include several standard components.
Court records commonly contain:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, indictments, petitions)
- Summonses and service of process documentation
- Pleadings filed by parties (answers, motions, briefs)
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Judgment entries
- Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Evidence logs (though actual evidence is typically not part of the public record)
- Financial information (court costs, fines, restitution orders)
- Case management documentation (scheduling notices, continuances)
For criminal cases, additional components may include:
- Charging documents
- Bond information
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (often confidential)
- Sentencing entries
- Probation records
For civil cases, records may also contain:
- Settlement agreements (unless sealed)
- Jury verdicts
- Damage awards
- Post-judgment collection efforts
The Stark County Court of Common Pleas maintains records according to standards established by the Supreme Court of Ohio, which provides guidelines for record content and management.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children, in accordance with Ohio Superintendence Rule 45(D).
How Long Does Stark County Keep Court Records?
Stark County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Supreme Court of Ohio's Rules of Superintendence, specifically Rules 26 through 26.05, which govern records retention for courts throughout Ohio. The retention period varies based on case type and significance.
Standard retention periods include:
- Civil Cases: Generally retained for 5 years after final disposition
- Felony Cases: Retained for 50 years after final disposition
- Capital Punishment Cases: Permanently retained
- Domestic Relations Cases: Retained for 25 years after final judgment
- Probate Records: Many are permanently retained, particularly wills, estates, and guardianships
- Juvenile Records: Typically retained until the child reaches age 21, with exceptions
- Traffic Cases: Generally retained for 5 years after final disposition
Records of significant historical or precedential value may be retained permanently regardless of category. The Supreme Court of Ohio provides guidance to local courts on identifying records with enduring value.
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to microfilm or electronic format for permanent storage
- Transferred to the Ohio History Connection (formerly Ohio Historical Society)
- Destroyed following proper procedures outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.38
Parties seeking access to older records should contact:
Stark County Archives 121 Cleveland Avenue SW Canton, OH 44702 Phone: (330) 451-7443 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Courts maintains a records management program that balances public access needs with storage limitations and preservation concerns.
Types of Courts In Stark County
Stark County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific types of cases as defined by Ohio law.
The primary courts operating in Stark County include:
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Court of Common Pleas - The court of general jurisdiction with several specialized divisions:
- General Division - Handles civil cases exceeding $15,000 and felony criminal cases
- Domestic Relations Division - Processes divorces, dissolutions, and child custody matters
- Juvenile Division - Oversees cases involving minors, including delinquency and dependency
- Probate Division - Manages estates, guardianships, adoptions, and mental health commitments
Stark County Court of Common Pleas 101 W. Tuscarawas Street Canton, OH 44702 Phone: (330) 451-7755 Stark County Common Pleas Court
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Municipal Courts - Handle misdemeanors, traffic cases, and civil matters under $15,000:
- Canton Municipal Court
- Massillon Municipal Court
- Alliance Municipal Court
Canton Municipal Court 218 Cleveland Avenue SW Canton, OH 44702 Phone: (330) 489-3203 Canton Municipal Court
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Federal Courts - The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio has jurisdiction over federal cases arising in Stark County:
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio Carl B. Stokes U.S. Court House 801 West Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113 Phone: (216) 357-7000 Northern District of Ohio
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Specialized Courts - Stark County also operates specialized dockets, including:
- Drug Court
- Mental Health Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
- OVI Court
These specialized dockets operate within the existing court structure but provide focused intervention for specific populations.
What Types of Cases Do Stark County Courts Hear?
Stark County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional boundaries established by the Ohio Revised Code. Case types are distributed among the courts based on subject matter, monetary value, and severity of charges.
The Stark County Court of Common Pleas General Division, located at 101 W. Tuscarawas Street, Canton, OH 44702, handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $15,000 in damages
- Administrative appeals from state and local agencies
- Complex commercial litigation
- Real property disputes
The Domestic Relations Division of the Common Pleas Court processes:
- Divorce and dissolution proceedings
- Child custody determinations
- Child and spousal support matters
- Domestic violence civil protection orders
- Post-decree modifications
Municipal Courts in Canton, Massillon, and Alliance have jurisdiction over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil disputes with damages up to $15,000
- Small claims cases (up to $6,000)
- Landlord-tenant matters, including evictions
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
The Probate Division handles:
- Estate administration
- Will contests
- Guardianships for minors and incompetent adults
- Adoptions
- Name changes
- Mental health commitments
The Juvenile Division addresses:
- Delinquency cases involving minors
- Traffic offenses committed by juveniles
- Dependency, neglect, and abuse cases
- Paternity determinations
- Juvenile protection orders
Federal cases arising in Stark County are heard by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, including:
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil rights claims
- Bankruptcy proceedings through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court
- Patent and copyright disputes
- Cases involving federal statutes or the U.S. Constitution
How To Find a Court Docket In Stark County
Court dockets in Stark County are publicly accessible documents that list scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. These dockets serve as the official schedule of court activities and are updated regularly.
To access Stark County court dockets, individuals may utilize several methods:
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Online Access - The Stark County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic docket search function on their website. Users can search by case number, party name, or date range to view upcoming court dates. The Canton Municipal Court also provides online docket search capabilities for cases within its jurisdiction.
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In-Person Requests - Printed dockets are available for review at the respective clerk's offices:
Stark County Clerk of Courts 115 Central Plaza North Canton, OH 44702 Phone: (330) 451-7786 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Telephone Inquiry - Limited docket information may be obtained by calling the appropriate clerk's office during business hours.
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Legal Notices - Court dockets for certain proceedings are published in the legal notices section of The Canton Repository, the newspaper of record for Stark County.
For specialized dockets, such as foreclosure sales or sheriff's sales, additional publication requirements may apply under Ohio Revised Code § 2329.26.
The Supreme Court of Ohio maintains a centralized database of case information that includes some Stark County cases, particularly those on appeal.
Federal court dockets for cases in the Northern District of Ohio, which includes Stark County, are accessible through the federal PACER system.
Docket information is typically updated within 24 hours of scheduling changes, though immediate updates may occur for same-day modifications.
Which Courts in Stark County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Stark County, as throughout Ohio, most courts function as courts of record, meaning they maintain official transcripts and documentation of proceedings. However, certain judicial and quasi-judicial bodies operate without the same record-keeping requirements.
Entities in Stark County that do not function as full courts of record include:
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Mayor's Courts - Several municipalities within Stark County operate Mayor's Courts, which handle minor misdemeanors and traffic violations. These courts are not courts of record under Ohio Revised Code § 1905.01. Cases heard in Mayor's Courts may be appealed to the municipal court or county court for a completely new trial (trial de novo). Mayor's Courts include:
- Canal Fulton Mayor's Court
- East Canton Mayor's Court
- Hartville Mayor's Court
- Louisville Mayor's Court
- Minerva Mayor's Court
- Navarre Mayor's Court
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Small Claims Divisions - While technically part of municipal courts, small claims proceedings (for cases under $6,000) follow simplified procedures with less formal record-keeping requirements. These proceedings are governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1925.
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Administrative Hearings - Various county and municipal administrative bodies conduct hearings that are not considered court proceedings, including:
- Zoning appeals boards
- Tax review boards
- Civil service commissions
- Unemployment compensation hearings
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Alternative Dispute Resolution Proceedings - Mediation and arbitration sessions, even when court-annexed, typically do not generate official court records unless the results are later incorporated into court orders.
Individuals should note that decisions from non-record courts may be appealed to courts of record, where proceedings will be conducted anew rather than reviewed based on a transcript of the original proceeding.
The Supreme Court of Ohio provides oversight of all courts in the state, including non-record courts, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures.
Lookup Court Records in Stark County
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