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Delaware, Ohio Municipal Court Records

Delaware Municipal Court records are documents maintained by the Delaware Municipal Court in connection with a case. Court record creation and management are a mandatory part of the judicial process to preserve case history and ensure accountability in the judiciary.

These records are also connected to public records from other cities and counties in Ohio. For example, law enforcement records, such as arrest records, are often closely linked to criminal court records. Information in an arrest report usually transitions into a court record the moment the suspect is prosecuted.

Are Delaware Municipal Court Records Public?

Yes. Delaware Municipal Court records are presumed to be public records under the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio (Rules 11.09 through 11.16). Under this rule, court clerks are mandated to provide direct access to a court record to any person who requests it, within a reasonable amount of time. However, in certain cases, the court clerk is permitted to withhold access if the record requested is or contains confidential information. Examples of restricted court records include

  • Juvenile records
  • Sensitive personal information
  • Investigative information in a criminal case
  • Psychological records

What Information is Available in Delaware Municipal Court Records?

A Delaware Municipal Court record typically contains these details:

  • Case number
  • Filing date
  • Case status
  • Names and addresses of the individuals involved (dates of birth may be included)
  • Docket information
  • Fines paid
  • Case outcome

Delaware Municipal Court Records Search

Members of the public looking to access a court record maintained by the Delaware Municipal Court may use the following options:

Online Access

Municipal court records in Delaware County can be accessed online through the Delaware Municipal Court Case Lookup tool. The tool allows users to access information on a civil or criminal case, provided that the case is not confidential. Case information accessible online is also usually limited to the case summary, including the docket and upcoming court dates. Users cannot view or download actual documents filed in the case.

In-Person Access

Individuals can view the comprehensive case file and obtain copies of documents by visiting the Delaware Municipal Court Clerk's Office at the courthouse. Staff are usually present during business hours to receive and process record requests. Requesters need to provide details that can be used to identify the record, including a party name or case number. A fee may also be required for copies to be produced where necessary.

Mail and Phone Requests

The Delaware Municipal Court Clerk's Office also receives court record requests by mail. Individuals may write the request detailing all known details about the record and how many copies are needed. The request may then be mailed to the clerk's office together with payment for the copies and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Search by Name or Case Number

Users using the Delaware Municipal Court Case Lookup tool may conduct a criminal/traffic case lookup or a civil case lookup. For criminal/traffic cases, researchers may search by name, case number, date of birth, traffic ticket number, license plate number, and incident number. For civil cases, a search may be done by plaintiff name, defendant name, or case number. Users do not need to have an account or pay a fee to use the search tool.

Fees for Delaware Municipal Court Records

The following costs are associated with obtaining court records from the Delaware Municipal Court:

  • Photocopies: 5 cents per page
  • Certified copies: $3 plus per-page fees
  • Court docket: 25 cents per page
  • Exemplified copy of judgment entry: $25
  • Record of court proceeding: $5 per day

Delaware Municipal Courthouse Locations

The Delaware Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction serving the County of Delaware. The court primarily handles misdemeanor offenses, municipal ordinance violations, and civil cases not exceeding $15,000 in value.

Below is the address and contact information for the courthouse.

Delaware Municipal Court

70 North Union Street

Delaware, Ohio 43015

Phone: (740) 203-1550

Fax: (740) 203-1599

Criminal and Misdemeanor Record Access in Delaware Municipal

Misdemeanor criminal records in Delaware County may be held by either the Delaware Municipal Court or by the Delaware Police Department. The police department primarily maintains arrest records, while the municipal court manages case information for misdemeanor and traffic hearings. Individuals can access a misdemeanor or traffic case using the Delaware Municipal Court Case Lookup tool or by requesting the record in person at the Clerk of Courts Office.

For a complete picture of one's criminal history in the municipality and Ohio at large, individuals may obtain an official criminal history record. These records are maintained by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and can be obtained by conducting a fingerprint-based search at any of the BCI's vendor locations.