Licking County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Named after the Licking River, Licking County covers about 682 square miles of land area in Ohio. The county is the third largest located within the state, with a population of 178,800 people. The government seat is Newark. The Courts of Common Pleas, Municipal Court, and Mayor's Court comprise the Licking County court system.

Licking's Court of Common Pleas is a general jurisdiction court. The apex court has three Divisions: General, Domestic Relation, and Juvenile-probate Divisions. Civil lawsuits involving financial disputes above $15,000 are often brought before the Common Pleas General Division Court. Other crimes at the highest trial court in Licking include misdemeanors and felonies. The Juvenile-Probate Division hears probate, mental health, guardianship, and juvenile cases. On the other hand, the Domestic Relations Division resolves divorce cases and child custody matters. The Licking County Municipal Court is responsible for felony pretrials, lesser misdemeanors, and parking violations. It also hears small claims in which the financial dispute does not exceed $3,000. Cities and towns in Licking County that do not have Municipal Courts can establish Mayor's Courts. Like Municipal Courts, the Mayor's Court presides over traffic crimes within its jurisdiction. Mayor's Courts in Licking County are located in the following locations:

• Alexandria
• Buckeye Lake
• Granville
• Hartford
• Hebron
• Johnstown
• Kirkersville
• Pataskala
• St. Louisville
• Utica

According to the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System (OIBRS), the Licking County crime rate was above 3,000 crimes per 100,000 persons between 2018 and 2021. The rate dropped to 2,175 crimes per 100,000 persons in 2022. Ohio Court Statistics also reveal that Licking County usually disposes of up to 6,000 cases, maintaining above 90% clearance rate yearly. In Licking County, the Clerk of Courts is in charge of maintaining public court records. Individuals can contact the Licking County Court Clerk to get copies of case documents. They can also obtain court records filed in the Municipal and Mayor's Courts by contacting the relevant Court Clerk. Court records exempted from Ohio's Open Records Act are confidential and will be restricted from public view.

In summary, the Licking County justice system was established to promote fairness and equity. The Courts of Common Pleas, Municipal Court, and Mayor's Court deliver impartial justice and enforce the rule of law in Licking County. County residents can also obtain court information and case files online and in person at court clerks' offices. This promotes public trust and transparency.