Mentor Municipal Court

Mentor Municipal Court cases in Lake County, Mentor, OH

Mentor Municipal Court is a municipal court of limited jurisdiction in Mentor, Ohio. It serves as the local trial court for cases arising within its territorial jurisdiction in Lake County, handling misdemeanor criminal offenses, city and state traffic violations, and ordinance infractions; conducting arraignments and preliminary hearings in felony cases; and hearing civil matters up to $15,000, including small claims (up to $6,000) and landlord-tenant/eviction actions. The court issues warrants, sets bail, and oversees probation in cases within its authority. Felony trials, domestic relations, probate, and higher-value civil cases are handled by the Lake County Court of Common Pleas.

Mentor Municipal Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Mentor Municipal Court

Mentor Municipal Court serves as the local trial court for traffic and misdemeanor criminal matters, city ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and civil disputes within statutory limits (including small claims and evictions). Core services include:
- Case filings: accepts criminal/traffic complaints, civil claims (e.g., contract/debt up to $15,000), small claims, landlord‑tenant/evictions, garnishments, and motions; processes bonds, warrants, and record‑sealing petitions.
- Protective orders: issues temporary protection orders in qualifying criminal cases and hears violations of protection orders.
- Court hearings: schedules and conducts arraignments, pretrials, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, and sentencing; manages continuances and subpoenas; provides interpreters and ADA accommodations.
- Jury services: administers juror summons, orientation, qualification, deferrals/excuses, and service certificates/stipends.
- Public access: maintains case dockets and records, accepts payments of fines/costs, and provides forms and guidance at the Clerk's office.