Lucas County covers about 339 square miles of land in northwestern Ohio. More than 430,000 persons reside in the county, according to the 2020 US Census. The City of Toledo, which is the county’s biggest city, is also the county seat.

Courts in Lucas County

The Court of Common Pleas has general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil matters in Lucas County. The apex trial court has four divisions: General, Juvenile, Probate, and Domestic Relations Divisions. Felony offenses and civil matters involving more than $15,000 in financial disputes are handled at the General Divisions of the Lucas County Common Pleas Court. Conversely, the Domestic Relations Division hears divorce, child custody, and child support cases. County residents approach the Probate Court/Division to resolve legal matters involving mental illness, wills, guardianships, and adoptions. All legal disputes regarding minors are brought before the Juvenile Division.

Lucas County has four Municipal Courts. Residents resolve civil cases such as contract disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, and temporary protection orders in these courts. Municipal court judges typically handle ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and violations of township resolutions. They also preside over preliminary felony hearings. Other civil cases heard at Lucas County Municipal Courts include most general civil claims for less than $15,000. Each court has a small claims division that hears cases up to $3,000. These divisions may be presided over by a magistrate appointed by the Municipal Court.

Where to Find Public Court Records in Lucas County

In Lucas County, the Clerk of Courts creates, maintains, and disseminates all public court records. Interested persons can find Lucas County public court records online. The online portal allows users to search court documents using case numbers or involved parties’ names. Requesters may also send emails or call (419) 213-4484 to request court records. They can also visit the court clerk in person to search for accessible court documents. Note that public court records maintained by the Clerk of Court often contain the following information:

• Docket entries and journals
• Verdicts
• Court transcripts
• Evidences and exhibits
• Depositions
• Summons
• Subpoenas
• Indictments

Types of Public Court Records in Lucas County

Lucas County provides public access to the following public records:

• Criminal records
• Civil case files
• Probate files
• Domestic Relations case files
• Marriage License files
• Small claims court records

Confidential Court Records in Lucas County

Court clerks in Lucas County often decline requests for confidential court records. Examples of confidential court records or information include the following:

• Personal identifying information such as social security numbers, private addresses, and driver's license numbers.
• Mental health records
• Juvenile records
• Medical records
• Financial records
• Social Security numbers

Grand jury records

Juvenile Delinquency in Lucas, OH

Unfortunately, in many areas of the Lucas County, juvenile delinquency crimes are on the rise. There are many reasons for the increase in youth offenders. The juvenile sentence in Ohio often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of offenses, and other family matters.

In 2017, a total of 1295 juvenile cases were reported for every 100,000 people age 10 to adulthood in the jurisdiction of Lucas County. Of that total, 38% of those proceedings were delinquencies which equaled 489 court cases. Another 0% were dependency cases that accounted for 0 of the juvenile cases.

A lot of counties, including, Lucas County, are focusing on family health and relationships rather than punishment for juvenile crimes. Future Lucas County juvenile delinquency statistics will show whether or not this approach is working.

Government of Lucas County, OH

https://ohio.gov/

County Seat:	Toledo
Government Type:	County
Authority:	Dillon's Rule
Year Organized:	1835
Total Square Miles:	596
2019 Population:	430,887
Persons/Square Mile:	0.00
County Contact:	One Goverment Center, Suite 800 Carlson Library Toledo , OH 43604-2259 http://www.co.lucas.oh.us

Lucas County, OH Courts