Search Henry County Criminal Court Records
Henry County criminal court records are managed by the Clerk of Courts at the courthouse in Napoleon. Kim Stouffer serves as the elected Clerk and keeps all felony criminal cases, civil suits, and domestic relations records for the Court of Common Pleas. The county offers CourtView online access for records filed after 1995. You can also visit the office in person or send a written request. Henry County is a small rural county in northwest Ohio, and all serious criminal cases from the area pass through the courthouse in Napoleon. This page covers how to search, where to look, and what to expect when you request records.
Henry County Clerk of Courts Office
The Henry County Clerk of Courts is at 660 N. Perry Street, Suite 302, Napoleon, Ohio 43545. Kim Stouffer is the Clerk. Call (419) 592-5886 or email kim.stouffer@henrycountyohio.com. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
The office keeps all legal records for the Henry County Court of Common Pleas. This includes civil cases, felony criminal cases, and domestic relations files. Staff handle all filings, maintain the official docket, and provide copies on request. The 3rd District Court of Appeals hears cases appealed from Henry County. The Clerk's staff can search by case number or party name to help you locate a specific file.
Henry County is a smaller county. Case volumes are lower than in urban areas, which often means faster service at the counter. But all felony crimes from across the county still go through this one office. Drug charges, theft, assault, and other serious offenses all end up here.
Search Henry County Criminal Records Online
Henry County provides CourtView access for searching criminal court records online. The Henry County Clerk of Courts page has links to the case search system. You can look up cases by name, case number, and case type. The system covers records filed after 1995. For older cases, you need to contact the office directly or visit in person.
Under ORC Section 149.43, Ohio's public records law gives you the right to inspect court records without stating a reason. The Clerk must provide access during normal hours. If the office denies your request, the Ohio Court of Claims handles disputes about records access.
You can also send a written request to 660 N. Perry Street, Suite 302, Napoleon, Ohio 43545. Include the case number or party name, what documents you need, and payment for any fees. For records sealed or expunged by court order, those are not available to the public.
Note: Court records before 1995 are not available in the CourtView online system and must be searched in person.
Criminal Court Records in Henry County
The Henry County Clerk of Courts page is the starting point for searching criminal court records in the county.
This screenshot shows the Henry County Clerk of Courts page with links to the CourtView system and contact information for the office.
The Henry County Court of Common Pleas handles all felony criminal cases under ORC Chapter 2301. Drug offenses, burglary, assault, weapons charges, and other serious crimes fall under this court. The court also hears civil cases, foreclosures, and domestic relations matters including divorce and custody. The Probate Division handles estates and guardianships. The Juvenile Division handles cases involving minors.
Misdemeanor cases and traffic violations in Henry County go through the local municipal or county court under ORC Title 19. These courts process minor offenses, DUI, disorderly conduct, and traffic tickets. Records for these lower courts are separate from the Common Pleas Court records. If a misdemeanor gets bound over, the records transfer to the Clerk's office at the courthouse.
Fees for Henry County Court Records
Copy fees follow Ohio statutory provisions. Standard copies cost per page. Certified copies are more. Filing fees depend on the case type. The office accepts cash, check, and money order. Call (419) 592-5886 for exact amounts or visit the office for a current fee schedule.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation runs statewide fingerprint-based background checks at $22 state-only or $34 combined. The Ohio Department of Public Safety has info on expungement and record corrections. Federal cases from Henry County go through the Northern District of Ohio. Search federal records at PACER.
Henry County Legal Resources
Ohio Legal Help offers free guides on court records, record sealing, and self-representation. The Ohio State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service and information about public records law. The Ohio Clerk of Courts Association links to all 88 county clerk offices in Ohio.
The Ohio History Connection Archives in Columbus may have older Henry County court records on microfilm. The Ohio Auditor of State sets retention schedules for court records. Felony records are typically kept permanently while misdemeanor records may be kept for 10 to 25 years depending on the offense.
Cities in Henry County
Napoleon is the county seat and where the courthouse sits. Other communities include Deshler, Liberty Center, and Hamler. None of these towns have populations over 100,000. All felony criminal court records for the county go through the Henry County Clerk of Courts in Napoleon.
Nearby Counties
Neighboring counties keep their own court records. Check these if your case is from outside Henry County:
A case filed in Fulton County will not appear in a Henry County search. Make sure you check the right county.