The courts of common pleas are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in the state. The Ohio General Assembly (the state legislature) has the power to divide courts of common pleas into divisions, and has done so, establishing general, domestic relations, juvenile, and probate divisions: - General divisions have original jurisdiction in all criminal felony cases, all civil cases in which the amount in controversy is more than $15,000, and all cases involving title to real estate, excepting eviction matters. General divisions also have appellate jurisdiction over the decisions of some state administrative agencies and of city agencies. - Domestic relations divisions have jurisdiction over proceedings involving divorce (dissolution of marriage), annulment, legal separation, spousal support, parental rights, children, etc.

Hears only civil cases of families involved in divorce, a dissolution of marrige, annulment, legal seperation, child custody, visitstion, child support, property division, spousal support, and all post divorce motions after the marriage has terminated.

The Civil Division handles cases in which the amount of money in dispute does not exceed $15,000. Complaints involving landlord tenant disputes, rent escrows and appeals to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles are filed with this division. Also handles small claims cases, in which the amount of money in dispute is $6,000 or less. The Criminal and Traffic Division processes and maintains the entries and orders of the Court, accepts bail and bond on all offenses, and establishes and monitors defendants' payment plans. Felony charges from arrest to preliminary hearing are recorded and transmitted to Common Pleas Court.

Common Pleas Court handles felony cases, civil cases over $15,000

Responsible for hearing civil lawsuits where the amount being considered is not more than $15,000 as well as various types of criminal cases such as felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations.

Holds jurisdiction in misdemeanor criminal cases where the maximum sentence is one (1) year in jail and a fine of not more than $2,500. Oversees the initial stages of felony proceedings prior to trial. Note: In civil matters this jurisdiction is limited to cases where the monetary claim requested by either party is not more than $15,000.

Hears and decides judgement on civil cases in Darke County. Monetary claims requested by either party must not be more than $15,000. Common types of civil actions are: Evictions, Contracts, Personal Injury and Property Damage.

State trial courts that handle infractions punishable by a fine; misdemeanor cases such as petty theft, prostitution, intoxication and vandalism punishable by a fine with a maximum level (usually $1000) and maximum amount of time in county jail (usually a year or less); and felony cases such as murder, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, robbery and rape that are punishable by a state prison term or, in states where capital punishment is legal, by death. In some states a distinction is made between municipal criminal courts which handle infractions, misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felony cases; and superior criminal courts which try felony cases and misdemeanor cases for which other provisions have not been made.

Holds exclusive original criminal jurisdiction of felonies and jurisdiction in all civil cases where the amount is greater than $500.

Court for the City of Lakewood. Hears civil cases up to $15,000, small claims up to $6,000, traffic, and criminal cases. Also enforces eviction and housing violations.

Handles foreclosure, partition, and quiet title cases. Foreclosure is an attempt by the holder of the mortgage or lien to have the property sold to satisfy the mortgage or lien. Partition involves two or more persons owning property together who cannot agree on how to sell the property. Quiet Title is when a party claims an interest in property which is allegedly invalid and negatively impacts the title of the property such as encroachments by fences or buildings. Answers general procedural questions, but does not give legal advice.

Holds exclusive original criminal jurisdiction of felonies and jurisdiction in all civil cases where the amount is greater than $500.

Hears and decides judgment on civil matters, including housing issues (public housing and private landlords). Provides jury selection for Parma Municipal Court.

Perry County Municipal Court includes all of Perry County. The Court consists of the criminal division and the civil division. The criminal division handles traffic cases and misdemeanor criminal cases. The civil division handles complaints up to $15,000, small claims up to $6,000 and eviction cases.

Holds exclusive original criminal jurisdiction of felonies and jurisdiction in all civil cases where the amount is greater than $500.

Holds exclusive original criminal jurisdiction of felonies and jurisdiction in all civil cases where the amount is greater than $500.

Provides justice for small claims, criminal, traffic and civil cases arising within the Court’s jurisdiction (including eviction proceedings). Provides records of all cases heard and jury selection where appropriate. Any waiverable citations can also be paid on site.

Handles foreclosure cases and answers general procedural questions, but does not give legal advice. Foreclosure is an attempt by the holder of the mortgage or lien to have the property sold to satisfy the mortgage or lien. The borrower is sent a foreclosure summons and has 28 days to file a written answer with the Clerk of Courts. If the court decides that the borrower is in default, the house can be sold at a Sheriff's Auction. The borrower can still redeem the property up to eight days after the sale. Also handles partition and quiet title cases.

Holds exclusive original criminal jurisdiction of felonies and jurisdiction in all civil cases where the amount is greater than $500. Also adjudicates divorce, dissolution, support, parenting time, domestic violence and related issues.

Provides traffic court both civil and criminal; original jurisdiction over any civil action within service area up to $15,000; total jurisdiction over the commission of misdemeanors within its service area; jurisdiction over felonies up to preliminary hearing stage; small claims court (citizen-filed claims under $3,000); and performance of marriages.

The General Division of the Knox County Common Pleas Court has jurisdiction over Domestic Relations, all felony criminal cases and a wide variety of civil cases.

Municipal Court services include records, process serving, civil and criminal proceedings, traffic, small claims court, evictions, wage and bank attachments.