Perry County Court Records

Perry County, Ohio, with its county seat in New Lexington, operates a multi-tiered court system covering everything from traffic infractions and small claims disputes to felony prosecutions, estate administrations, and juvenile proceedings. The records these courts produce — complaints, motions, judgments, sentencing entries, hearing transcripts, and case dockets — form the official documentary record of judicial activity in the county and are relied upon daily by attorneys, litigants, researchers, and the general public.

Those researching court cases in Ohio can start with direct contact to clerk offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by courts and state agencies. OhioCourts.us can help individuals navigate publicly available case information across Ohio's court system. For Perry County specifically, both the Common Pleas Court and the Municipal Court maintain online record search tools, and in-person access remains available at the Perry County Courthouse in New Lexington.

How to Look Up a Court Case in Perry County?

Perry County has two primary court websites offering online case search capabilities, each covering a different segment of the court's docket.

For Common Pleas Court records — covering felony criminal cases, major civil litigation, domestic relations matters, and protection orders — the Perry County Common Pleas Court record search is available through the court's official website. This CaseLook-based system is updated frequently, though users should know that at least a 24-hour delay may exist between court activity and online posting. Always confirm time-sensitive information directly with the Clerk of Courts. The court also maintains an active warrants list that is publicly accessible online.

For Municipal Court records — covering misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic cases, and civil complaints — the Perry County Municipal Court record search is available through the county court's portal.

For in-person access or certified copies, contact the Common Pleas Clerk:

Perry County Clerk of Courts (Common Pleas)
Address: 105 North Main Street, P.O. Box 67, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Fax: (740) 342-5527
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Documents can also be e-filed with the Common Pleas Court through the court's website. Attorneys and self-represented parties may submit filings electronically by selecting the eFile option on the court's homepage at pccommonpleas.com. Online payment of fines and court costs is available through the court's online payment portal.

Are Court Records Public in Perry County?

Ohio's Public Records Act, codified at Ohio Revised Code 149.43, is the foundational statute governing access to court records in Perry County. Under this law, any person may inspect or obtain copies of public records during regular business hours. Public offices — including courts and clerk offices — must make records reasonably available without requiring requesters to explain their purpose. The Ohio Attorney General's Public Records Act guidance provides a thorough overview of these rights and the obligations of public agencies.

In addition to ORC 149.43, the Supreme Court of Ohio's Rules of Superintendence, particularly Rule 26, establish standards for the management and public access of court records across all Ohio courts.

Records that are restricted or not fully open to public inspection include:

• Juvenile records: Most records relating to youth court proceedings — including delinquency, unruly, abuse, neglect, and dependency cases — are sealed or restricted under ORC 2151.355 and related statutes.
• Adoption proceedings: Case files related to adoptions are confidential and sealed from public access.
• Expunged criminal records: Records sealed following a successful expungement petition under ORC 2953.52 are not available to the general public.
• Confidential personal information: Social Security numbers, financial account details, detailed medical records, and similar identifiers are subject to redaction under the Rules of Superintendence.
• Active case limitations: Certain pending matters may carry temporary access restrictions to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings.

When a court file contains a mix of public and restricted information, the clerk will provide access to the non-exempt portions, with sensitive data redacted as required. Parties seeking access to sealed records must petition the court and demonstrate a legal basis for disclosure.

Perry County Criminal Court Records

Criminal jurisdiction in Perry County is divided between the Common Pleas Court for felony offenses and the Municipal Court for misdemeanor criminal matters and traffic cases.

Perry County Court of Common Pleas General Division
Address: 105 N Main Street, P.O. Box 67, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Fax: (740) 342-5527
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Perry County Municipal Court Criminal Division
Address: 105 N Main Street, P.O. Box 207, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-3156
Fax: (740) 342-2188
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Judge: Drew Cannon

The Common Pleas Court is a court of general jurisdiction established under Article IV, Section 1 of the Ohio Constitution. Felony criminal records maintained by the Clerk of Courts include indictments, arraignment entries, bond conditions, plea agreements, trial transcripts (when submitted by court reporters), verdict forms, and sentencing entries. These records are searchable through the Common Pleas record search tool and, where applicable, the active warrants list.

Misdemeanor criminal records and traffic case files are maintained by the Municipal Court. You can search those records through the Municipal Court record search.

The Perry County Municipal Court is also home to the Perry County New Directions Drug Court, a specialized docket designed to address substance use disorders through supervised treatment as an alternative to traditional prosecution.

For arrest records and current inmate information, the Perry County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement custodian:

Perry County Sheriff's Office
Address: 121 West Brown Street, Suite B, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-4123
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Sheriff's Office website at perrycountysheriff.org provides access to the current inmate roster through JailTracker. Keep in mind that arrest records reflect the fact of an arrest, not a criminal conviction — always verify final case dispositions through the court's official docket. The Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail also houses Perry County inmates in some circumstances.

Several municipalities within Perry County operate Mayors Courts for minor local ordinance violations:

Mayors Court	Address	Phone
Corning	115 S Corning Ave, Corning, OH 43730	(740) 347-4476
Crooksville	98 S Buckeye St, Crooksville, OH 43731	(740) 982-2656
Junction City	111 W Front St, P.O. Box 105, Junction City, OH 43748	(740) 987-4121
New Straitsville	114 W Main St, P.O. Box 238, New Straitsville, OH 43766	(740) 394-2425
Shawnee	2nd St, Shawnee, OH 43782	(740) 394-2462
Thornville	1 S Main St, P.O. Box 607, Thornville, OH 43076	(740) 246-5537

Mayors Court records are maintained locally by each municipality's clerk and are not part of the Common Pleas or Municipal Court systems.

Perry County Civil Court Records

Civil matters in Perry County are handled across two courts depending on the dollar value and nature of the claim. The Common Pleas Court General Division handles major civil litigation, while the Perry County Municipal Court Civil Division covers complaints up to $15,000, small claims up to $6,000, and eviction cases.

Small claims filings in the Municipal Court require a filing fee of $60.00. Counterclaims in small claims proceedings also carry a $60.00 filing fee and must be filed at least seven days before the scheduled hearing. Small claims complaints may be filed in Perry County Municipal Court when the defendant resides or has its principal place of business in Perry County, when the events giving rise to the claim occurred in Perry County, or when the subject property is located in Perry County. A Small Claims Guide is available through the Municipal Court's website and explains the full filing and hearing process for self-represented litigants.

The Municipal Court's civil division also handles eviction (forcible entry and detainer) proceedings. A complete fee schedule for civil filings is available through the Municipal Court civil page, and fine schedules for traffic and criminal matters are posted on the Municipal Court fines page.

To search or request civil court records:

1. Use the Common Pleas record search for major civil cases, domestic relations matters, and protection orders.
2. Use the Municipal Court record search for civil complaints, small claims, and eviction cases.
3. For certified copies, visit the Clerk of Courts (Common Pleas matters) or the Municipal Court clerk in person during business hours.
4. Mail requests should include party names, the case number if known, the approximate filing date, and payment for applicable copy fees.

The Clerk of Courts processes all Common Pleas Court filings but cannot provide legal advice, fill out forms for requesters, or recommend attorneys.

Perry County Family Court Records

Family law proceedings in Perry County move through two divisions depending on the circumstances. The Common Pleas Court handles divorce, legal separation, dissolution of marriage, and domestic relations matters. The Probate and Juvenile Court, operating under Judge Luann Cooperrider, handles juvenile matters, paternity, nonsupport, custody and visitation for children of unmarried parents, and child abuse and neglect cases.

Divorce and dissolution records filed with the Common Pleas Court are generally public under Ohio law unless sealed by court order. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk of Courts at (740) 342-1022 or in person at 105 North Main Street. Have both parties' names and the approximate filing date ready when you call or visit.

Domestic relations protection orders are processed and maintained by the Clerk of Courts and are searchable through the Common Pleas online record system.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Perry County Probate Court under ORC Chapter 2101. Marriage records are generally public, and certified copies can be obtained by visiting or contacting the Probate Court. Mail-in requests should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, the names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and payment for the applicable fee.

Probate Court Probate and Juvenile Division
Address: 105 N Main Street, P.O. Box 167, New Lexington, OH 43764
Probate Phone: (740) 342-1493
Juvenile Phone: (740) 342-1118
Paternity/Custody Division: (740) 342-5520
Fax: (740) 342-5524
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Birth and death records are not maintained by the courts. These vital records are managed by the Perry County Health Department:

Perry County Health Department
Address: 409 Lincoln Park Drive, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-5179

Under Ohio Revised Code 3705.23, birth and death records less than 100 years old are not fully open to the public. Access is limited to the individual named on the record, immediate family members, and legally authorized representatives. As of January 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Health charges a search fee of $21.50 per record through the state vital records office. Local health departments may have separate fee schedules. Contact the Perry County Health Department directly for current fee information and to confirm the documentation required for access.

The Perry County Free Legal Clinic, held the first Tuesday of each month (excluding January and July) from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Judge Cooperrider's office, is available to income-eligible Perry County residents or those involved in Perry County cases who need civil legal assistance but cannot afford an attorney. Bring relevant case paperwork and income documentation to apply.

Perry County Probate Court Records

The Perry County Probate Court, presided over by Judge Luann Cooperrider, exercises jurisdiction over a broad range of matters under ORC Title 21 — including the probate of wills, estate administration with and without a will, guardianships for minors and adults, conservatorships, adoptions, legal name changes, birth registrations, minor settlements, and the appointment of boards and commissions.

Probate records typically include:

• Original wills submitted for probate
• Petitions for letters testamentary or administration
• Estate inventories and appraisals
• Creditor claim filings and court rulings
• Final accountings and orders of distribution
• Guardianship appointments, annual reports, and termination orders
• Adoption case files (sealed from public access)
• Name change decrees
• Minor settlement approvals

Most probate records are open to public inspection, with the notable exception of adoption case files, which are sealed under Ohio law. Records involving minors in other probate contexts may also carry access restrictions.

To request probate records:

1. Contact the Probate Court at (740) 342-1493 to confirm record availability and applicable fees.
2. Visit the court in person at 105 North Main Street, New Lexington, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
3. For mail requests, send a written request specifying the decedent's or subject's full name, the approximate date of filing, and the type of record needed, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable payment.

Property records associated with estate real estate transfers — including deeds recording the conveyance of property from an estate to heirs or purchasers — are recorded with the Perry County Recorder's Office under ORC 317.08:

Perry County Recorder
Address: 105 North Main Street, Suite 2, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2494

Perry County Auditor
Address: 105 North Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2074

The Perry County Recorder's Office maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land records accessible to the public, and many records are available online through the Perry County Auditor website.