Belmont County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Belmont County is the 18th largest county in Ohio, covering an area of 532 square miles. Belmont County is home to over 66,500 residents distributed across 16 municipalities, with St. Clairsville serving as the county seat and judicial center. The county's court system comprises the Court of Common Pleas and the County Courts.

The Belmont County Court of Common Pleas in St. Clairsville serves as the county's primary court of general jurisdiction. Comprising four distinct divisions, namely the General Division, Domestic Relations Division, Juvenile Division, and Probate Division, it oversees various legal matters. The court hears civil cases involving significant damage and claims over $3,000, including disputes related to real estate, property, torts, contracts, and business relationships. Furthermore, it holds exclusive jurisdiction over criminal cases involving severe offenses with potential imprisonment penalties exceeding six months. In addition to its role in criminal matters, the Court of Common Pleas presides over divorce cases, marriage dissolution, alimony, child support, annulment, and custody issues arising from family disputes. The Belmont County Courts are courts of limited jurisdiction that handle most misdemeanor and traffic cases within the county. Additionally, they preside over cases involving domestic violence, DUI offenses, and small claims with disputed amounts of $3,000 or less. The Belmont County Court is structured into three divisions: Northern, Eastern, and Western, all of which are centrally located in St. Clairsville. This decentralized arrangement ensures easy access to legal proceedings for county residents, regardless of geographic location. However, some cases may be sealed due to their nature and require special permission to access.

The crime rate in Belmont County stands at 137 incidents per 100,000 residents, underscoring the importance of an effective court system. Belmont County courts handle a significant amount of cases each year to ensure the enforcement of law and order in the county. Proceedings and judgments from these cases are recorded, maintained, and stored as court records by the Belmont County Clerk of Court. You can search court records online on the Belmont County Courts eservice portal.

In summary, the Belmont County court system, comprising the Court of Common Pleas and County Courts, facilitates handling a wide range of legal matters, including all civil and criminal cases. These courts operate under distinct authorities and jurisdictions in accordance with specific state laws, collectively addressing legal disputes, preserving the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is always maintained in the county.