Fairfield County Municipal Court

Introduction:

Fairfield County Municipal Court is a city courthouse serving the resident of Fairfield County, Ohio. It is located with the fifth court of appeal district. The appeals from the Southern District will go to the 6th circuit of the United State Court of Appeals. The courthouse was established in 1953 by the general assembly and named Lancaster Municipal Court but then in 2000, its name was changed to Fairfield County Municipal Court that can better reflects the serving of the residents. It has jurisdiction over criminal, small claims, civil, traffic, and vehicle matters. It provides online services like e-filling, case search, payment etc. so it is not mandatory to go to court for these types of services. Proper dressing is required during the court session. Weapons are prohibited in this court. The court rules and procedures must be followed by every person that visits the court.

How to search for case records?

Fairfield County Municipal Court case search for records can be found online using the court online portal http://12.49.195.19/recordSearch.php?k=searchForm2328. The court maintains all the records online, in files, or in a database. The case search can be done using the following ways:

• Search by Case Number, Traffic and Citation number 
• Search by Traffic or Citation Number
• Search by Name/ Company
• Search by Hearing Date
• Search by Filling Date

You can also set matches per page setting. After entering the data, the case information will come. The portal will only show those records information that is publicly available. The sealed records are not available for the viewing of the public. Some records are unavailable; if the information does not come, the case records will be removed or confidential and cannot be displayed online. You have to go to the court or give a record request for these documents, and then the court will decide whether to provide that information. You had to pay the mandatory fees for each per-page copy of the record.

If you are facing misdemeanor criminal charges in Fairfield County, the Municipal Court is the jurisdiction where your case will be heard. The Fairfield County Municipal Court is an integral part of the criminal justice system, overseeing cases ranging from felony offenses to civil matters. The Clerk’s Office, which maintains the court records, plays a crucial role in providing access to information and assisting citizens with their inquiries. The court process begins with the first court hearing, known as the arraignment, where the charges are formally presented, and the defendant enters a plea. It is important to note that court costs may apply, and payments can be made through the Clerk’s Office. For the convenience of the public, the Clerk’s Office operates during regular court hours from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

The courtrooms, presided over by judges, provide a fair and impartial environment for the proceedings. It is advisable to seek legal representation from experienced attorneys who can navigate the complexities of the legal system, negotiate on your behalf, and conduct thorough research to build a strong defense. Whether you need to contest the charges, attend hearings, or obtain information about your case, the Clerk’s Office is there to assist you. For additional details, notices, and updates, the court’s website is a valuable resource. Don’t hesitate to contact the Clerk’s Office if you have any questions or require further assistance. Your time and concerns are of utmost importance, and the court is committed to providing a close and supportive relationship with its clients.

see also Kent County Courthouse

How to make a payment?

Fairfield County Municipal Court payment can be made in the following ways:

In-Person

A person can pay for tickets and fines by visiting the court during regular court hours and paying in cash, checks, or with a card at the court payment window. Take your ticket and citation number with you when you come for payment. Service charges will be applied if you make a payment with a credit card. 

Online

Online payments can be made using the court Online Payment Portal http://12.49.195.19/payments.php?showItem=step_search-page&agencyNumber=2321&tempId=. Type the first and last name. Your case information with the amount of the fine will be displayed. Select the payment option and pay the amount online. Service fees will be applied in this case. 

Mail 

A Person can send a certified check or money order to the court’s mailing address; 136 West Main Street Post Office Box 2390 Lancaster, Ohio 43130. Cash or personal checks are not acceptable in the mail; only certified checks or money orders are accepted. Remember to write your citation, name, case number, and account number when you send the payment, and mail the amount in a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want a receipt.

How can a small claims case be filled?

Fairfield County Municipal Court small claims court handles all claims which amount is up to $6000. You can file a small claim case by filling out the form and submitting it at the clerk’s office. Fill in your and the defendant’s personal information, and tell the reason for claiming with the number of claims. The person who comes for the filling of the case and signing the complaint must be presented in court during the hearing. $80 is the filing fee for the case against one person additional $10 per person will be imposed if the complaint is against multiple people. After the claim is filed a trial date will be given to both parties and on the trial, the plaintiff had to come with all the evidence documents. If the defendant thinks that the claims against them are wrong and the plaintiff owes some money to them, then file a counterclaim in the court within 7 days before the trial date. $105 is the filing fee for counterclaims.

How can traffic tickets be resolved?

Fairfield County Municipal Court traffic division handles all traffic and vehicle violation matters. The violation includes accidents, speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, leaving the scene of the accident, passing by a school bus, drag racing, illegal license plates, violating traffic signals and traffic rules and many more. You can receive a citation after some days of getting the traffic ticket. If the ticket contains a mandatory appearance, then you have to appear on the schedule. If the court does not contain mandatory appearance, then many options are available that are:

• Pay the full fine on the time 
• Submit the proof of insurance 
• Enter and send a plea to the court
• Request for a hearing

How many pleas can be sent to the court?

Fairfield County Municipal Court plea options are available for some traffic tickets and cases. Two types of pleas are available which are:

Plea of guilty

If you are guilty of your actions then write this plea. After sending it the court will review your plea and send you the amount of the fine and there is no need to appear in court.

Plea of not guilty

If you are not guilty of your act, then write this plea. The court will give you a schedule and you have to appear on that day with your proof of innocence.

What is the fine for traffic violations?

Fairfield County Municipal Court traffic and vehicle violation fines depend upon the type of violation you are committed. $190 for driving over 36 mph and more, $115 if the driver does not wear a seatbelt and $105 if the passenger does not wear it. $140 for not stopping on a red light stop sign, U-turn prohibition and improper use of a lane and marked lines etc.

What can a probation department do?

Fairfield County Municipal Court probation department will supervise the people that are placed on probation in their traffic or criminal cases. Their mission is to change the lives of the person that wants to find themselves in the need of some positive change. This department can supervise 5500 average cases annually.

What is the responsibility of the court clerk?

Fairfield County Municipal Court clerk is responsible for managing and safeguarding all the records, collecting and distributing all the payments, resolving payment issues, helping judges in the cases, making a schedule for the case, solving queries of the people that visit the court and providing certificates and documents. The clerk is prohibited from giving legal advice but they can help you with the procedure, give directions, and give you information about the attorney or agency that can guide you legally.

see also Philadelphia Municipal Court – Civil Division

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