Jefferson County
Jefferson County is located in eastern Ohio, spanning approximately 408.1 square miles. It was established in 1797 and named after Thomas Jefferson, who was vice president of the United States at the time. The county has a population of about 65,280 residents, and its county seat is Steubenville.
Jefferson County court system is made of the Court of Common Pleas as well as the Mayor's and Municipal courts. The Court of Common Pleas maintains a general jurisdiction covering serious criminal cases such as felonies and civil cases with claims exceeding $15,000. It also has divisions for specific case types. They include Domestic Relations, Juvenile and Probate Divisions. The Domestic Relations section oversees family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and support cases. The Juvenile Division handles cases involving minors such as juvenile traffic and most paternity cases. The Probate Division manages wills, estates, guardianships, and other probate matters. On the other hand, the Municipal Court generally handles civil claims not exceeding $15,000, misdemeanor cases, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Mayor's Courts handle most municipal ordinance violations and traffic infractions, including DUIs and parking offenses within the city limits.
Jefferson County court records, as defined by Ohio Rule 44, include case documents such as motions, judgments, and pleadings, as well as administrative documents related to the court's management. These records promote transparency, allowing the public to monitor legal proceedings and ensure accountability within the county's judicial system. Public records in Jefferson County are managed under the Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which allows public access to most court documents. Jefferson County court records include:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Probate Records
- Family Law Records
However, mental health and adoption records remain confidential. Residents and interested parties can access Jefferson County's court records by using the court's online platform which typically allows users to search for records by case number or the involved parties' names. Alternatively, requesters may visit the Clerk of Courts Records Division at:
301 Market Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: (740) 283 8583
Email: clerksoffice@jeffcch.com
Fees for physical copies may vary but are typically nominal per page.
