Case Types in the Wood County OHIO

Wood County, Ohio handles several types of legal cases, each processed through the appropriate court. Common case types include criminal cases, civil disputes, traffic violations, family matters, small claims, probate/estate cases, juvenile cases, housing/landlord-tenant issues, and appeals. Each case is managed according to county and state laws, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and proper legal procedure. Understanding the case type helps residents know where their case belongs and how the process works.

1. Criminal Cases

Why It Happens
Criminal cases occur when someone breaks the law, such as theft, assault, property damage, or other illegal acts. The police investigate, and the court determines guilt and appropriate punishment to protect the community.

Process (Short Overview)

1. Crime happens – A law is broken.
2. Police investigate – Evidence is collected.
3. Charges filed – The suspect is officially accused.
4. Court hearings – Both sides present evidence.
5. Decision – Judge or jury decides guilt.
6. Sentencing – If guilty, punishment is issued.

Fees

• Filing a criminal complaint: Usually no fee (handled by the state).
• Traffic or minor offenses: Small court fee may apply.
• Special filings/motions: $5–$25.

How to Check in Docket

1. Visit the Wood County Clerk of Courts.
2. Click “Case Search” or “Docket Search.”
3. Enter the defendant’s name or case number.
4. View case status, upcoming hearings, and filings.

2. Civil Cases

Why It Happens
Civil cases occur when parties have legal disputes that do not involve crimes, such as:

• Money owed (unpaid loans or rent)
• Property disputes
• Contract disagreements
• Personal injury or accidents
• Family matters like divorce or custody

Process

1. Complaint filed – Plaintiff submits complaint.
2. Summons served – Defendant is notified.
3. Response – Defendant replies.
4. Discovery – Evidence is exchanged.
5. Hearings/Trial – Each side presents their case.
6. Judgment – Court decides outcome and compensation.
7. Appeal (optional) – Can challenge decision in higher court.

Fees

• Base filing fee: $350
• Subsequent filings: $80

Check in Docket
Use the Clerk’s Case Search with name or case number.

3. Domestic Relations / Family Cases

Why It Happens
These cases involve family-related matters such as divorce, child custody, support, adoption, and protection orders. They happen when disputes arise among family members and the court needs to enforce rights or protect interests.

Process

1. File a petition
2. Notify the other party
3. Respond to the petition
4. Mediation or negotiation
5. Hearings or trial
6. Judge issues final orders
7. Appeal (optional)

Fees

• Divorce or custody: $225–$350
• Support/modification: $25–$50
• Other filings: $5–$25

Check in Docket
Use the Clerk’s Case Search with the party’s name or case number.

4. Traffic Cases

Why It Happens
Traffic cases happen when drivers violate traffic laws, e.g., speeding, running red lights, DUI, or driving without a license.

Process

1. Violation occurs – Ticket issued
2. Ticket received
3. Plea entered – Guilty, not guilty, or no contest
4. Hearing/Trial – Present evidence if pleading not guilty
5. Judgment/Penalty – Fines, points, or other penalties
6. Appeal (optional)

Fees

• Traffic tickets: Usually included in citation
• Contesting ticket: $25–$50
• Fines vary by violation

Check in Docket
Use the Clerk’s Case Search with driver name or case number.

5. Probate / Estate Cases

Why It Happens
Probate cases handle a deceased person’s estate, including validating wills, appointing executors, managing assets, paying debts, and distributing property.

Process

1. File petition to open probate
2. Court appoints executor/administrator
3. Notify heirs/creditors
4. Inventory and valuation of estate
5. Pay debts and taxes
6. Distribute remaining assets
7. Close estate

Fees

• Filing: $175–$250
• Additional filings: $5–$25
• Guardianship/conservatorship: $100–$200

Check in Docket
Use the Clerk’s Case Search with the party’s name or case number.

6. Juvenile Cases

Why It Happens
Juvenile cases involve minors under 18 for delinquency, truancy, abuse, neglect, or custody issues. The court protects minors and ensures rehabilitation.

Process

1. Referral/Complaint
2. Intake review
3. Petition filed
4. Detention/release
5. Hearings/adjudication
6. Disposition/sentencing
7. Appeal (optional)

Fees

• Usually no fee for state-handled cases
• Certain filings: $5–$25

Check in Docket
Use the Clerk’s Case Search; some details may be restricted.

7. Small Claims Cases

Why It Happens
Small claims cases resolve minor financial disputes (under $6,000), such as unpaid loans, property damage, rent issues, or simple contract breaches.

Process

1. File claim
2. Serve defendant
3. Defendant responds
4. Pre-trial/hearing
5. Trial before judge
6. Judgment issued
7. Appeal (optional)

Fees

• Filing: $50–$100
• Additional filings: $5–$25

Check in Docket
Use Case Search with plaintiff/defendant name or case number.

8. Housing / Landlord-Tenant Cases

Why It Happens
These cases handle disputes between landlords and tenants, e.g., nonpayment of rent, lease violations, property damage, evictions, and security deposit issues.

Process

1. File complaint/petition
2. Serve the other party
3. Response
4. Pre-trial/mediation
5. Hearing/trial
6. Judgment/order
7. Appeal (optional)

Fees

• Filing: $100–$150
• Additional filings: $5–$25

Check in Docket
Use Case Search with landlord or tenant name, or case number.

9. Appeals

Why It Happens
Appeals occur when a party believes a lower court made a legal or procedural error. The higher court reviews the case without retrying it.

Process

1. File notice of appeal
2. Trial court prepares record
3. Submit briefs
4. Oral arguments (optional)
5. Decision – affirm, reverse, or remand
6. Further appeal (optional)

Fees

• Filing an appeal: $150–$200
• Additional filings: $5–$25

Check in Docket
Use Case Search with appellant/appellee name or case number.

How to Check Any Case in Wood County Docket

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to the Wood County Clerk of Courts.
2. Click “Case Search” or “Docket Search.”
3. Enter the party’s name, case number, or filing date.
4. (Optional) Filter by case type.
5. View case status, filings, and hearings.
6. Print or save for reference.
7. Call 419‑354‑9240 for assistance if needed.

Pro Tip:
Double-check spellings and case numbers. For juvenile or sensitive cases, some information may be restricted. Bookmark pages to track updates easily.

Conclusion

Checking case information in Wood County, Ohio is simple using the Clerk of Courts’ online docket. By knowing the case type, using accurate details, and following the step-by-step guide, residents can efficiently track criminal, civil, domestic, traffic, probate, small claims, juvenile, housing, or appeals cases. Always rely on official sources and contact the Clerk’s office for help when needed.

Matthew Oestreich