Guernsey County Criminal Court Records
Guernsey County criminal court records are managed by the Clerk of Courts in Cambridge. Jennifer Johnson leads the office, which sits at 801 Wheeling Avenue in the county seat. The office keeps all felony criminal cases, civil suits, and domestic relations records for the Court of Common Pleas General Division. You can search records through the eServices online portal, visit in person, or request documents by mail. The Cambridge Municipal Court handles misdemeanor and traffic cases separately. This page covers how to find, search, and get copies of criminal court records in Guernsey County.
Guernsey County Clerk of Courts Office
The Guernsey County Clerk of Courts is at 801 Wheeling Avenue, D-200, Cambridge, Ohio 43725. Clerk Jennifer Johnson oversees the Legal Division, Title Division, and BMV License Bureau. Call the office at (740) 432-9232 or email jjohnson@guernseycounty.org. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
The Legal Division files and stores all records for the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas. This covers felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and domestic relations filings. The office also keeps records for the 5th District Court of Appeals. Staff handle all filings, maintain the official docket, and provide copies on request. The Title Division handles vehicle and watercraft titles at the same address. The BMV License Bureau deals with vehicle registration and driver's licenses. Only the Legal Division processes criminal court records.
The Common Pleas Court main number is (740) 432-9230 for the General and Domestic Relations Divisions. The Juvenile Division is at (740) 432-9266. Probate Court is at (740) 432-9262. Each division handles different types of cases, but the Clerk of Courts manages the records for all of them.
Note: The BMV License Bureau and Title Division at the same address do not handle court record requests.
Search Guernsey County Criminal Records Online
The Guernsey County eServices portal lets you search public records and download court documents from home. You can search by name, case number, or case type. The system shows docket entries, case status, and hearing dates. Online payments may be available for certain case types.
For cases not in the online system, visit the Clerk's office at 801 Wheeling Avenue or call (740) 432-9232. Staff can pull files and help you find what you need. Under ORC Section 149.43, Ohio's public records law gives everyone the right to inspect court records. You do not have to say why you want them. If the office denies your request, you can take the matter to the Ohio Court of Claims.
The Cambridge Municipal Court at 150 Highland Avenue, Suite 1, handles misdemeanor and traffic cases. Call (740) 439-5585 for information about those records. Municipal court records are kept separate from the Common Pleas Court.
Criminal Court Records in Guernsey County
The Guernsey County Clerk of Courts page has information about the office and how to access criminal court records.
This image shows the Ohio Department of Public Safety page, a statewide resource for criminal justice information that applies to Guernsey County and all other Ohio counties.
The Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas has jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases under ORC Chapter 2301. Drug charges, assault, theft, burglary, and other serious crimes are handled here. The court also takes civil cases, foreclosures, and administrative appeals. Domestic relations matters include divorces, custody disputes, and protection orders. The Juvenile Division handles cases involving minors, and the Probate Division covers estates and guardianships.
The Cambridge Municipal Court processes misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and smaller civil cases under ORC Title 19. This court handles DUI, disorderly conduct, petty theft, and all traffic tickets in the county. If a misdemeanor gets bound over to Common Pleas Court, the records transfer there. Understanding which court holds a record is key to finding what you need.
Fees for Guernsey County Court Records
Copy fees follow Ohio statutory rates. Standard copies are charged per page. Certified copies cost more. Filing fees depend on the case type. The office accepts various payment methods. Contact the Clerk's office for exact amounts.
Statewide background checks through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation run $22 for state-only or $34 for combined state and FBI checks. These use fingerprints and are done at authorized WebCheck sites. Federal cases from Guernsey County go through the Southern District of Ohio. Search federal records at PACER for $0.10 per page.
Guernsey County Legal Resources
Ohio Legal Help has free guides on court records, sealing, and finding legal aid. The Ohio State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. The Ohio Department of Public Safety provides info on expungement and record corrections.
The Guernsey County government website links to all county offices and court divisions. The Ohio Clerk of Courts Association has links to all 88 county clerk websites across Ohio. For historical records, the Ohio History Connection Archives in Columbus may have older Guernsey County court files on microfilm.
Cities in Guernsey County
Cambridge serves as the county seat. Other communities include Byesville, Senecaville, and Pleasant City. None of these towns have populations over 100,000. All felony criminal court records are handled by the Guernsey County Clerk of Courts in Cambridge. Misdemeanor and traffic cases go through the Cambridge Municipal Court.
Nearby Counties
These neighboring counties each maintain their own court systems and record offices:
A criminal case filed in Muskingum County will not appear in a Guernsey County search. Check the right county for the records you need.