AUGLAIZECOUNTY.ORG

COVID19 changes to Court Procedures

FILING DEADLINES REMAIN INTACT, BUT SOME HEARINGS TO BE CONTINUED

The building is open, but only to those who have time-sensitive business with the Court.  The Clerk’s Office is open and all filing deadlines remain intact.

The court is authorizing all parties in civil and criminal cases to file pleadings, other than Complaints and pleadings that need to be accompanied with filing fees, by FAX transmission to the Clerk of Courts.  That FAX number is 419-739-6768.

Remember, fax filings are now authorized.

Probate/Juvenile Court Fax 419-738-1061 and

Civil/Criminal/Domestic Relations Fax 419-739-6768.

Filing by email is approved by the Court ONLY by contacting the Clerk by telephone at 419-739-6765, and making arrangements in advance.   As we do not have an e-filing system, emails received without advance arrangements will not be filed nor acknowledged.  It is the responsibility of the filing party to obtain prior approval of the Clerk. This is to ensure that the Clerk’s system is operating online correctly and to avoid any confusion or inadvertent lack of filing.

Cases seeking emergency temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions shall proceed as normal, but the court authorizes the petitions to be FAX filed, or by pre-approval email as described above, and counsel may call the Judge’s office to arrange a teleconference at 419-739-6770.  Counsel shall make a good faith attempt to have opposing counsel on the telephone conference call, or be ready to explain those unsuccessful efforts.

Any other matters may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Jury trials and in-person hearings will resume if so determined by the court on a case-by-case basis, considering the complexity of the case, number of witnesses, duration of the trial, availability of the witnesses and parties, availability of jurors (as determined in accordance with the Forsthoefel case decided by the Ohio Supreme Court on April 27, 2020,) and any other relevant factors.  All persons entering the Courthouse will be screened for the Covid-19 virus with the ODH approved questions, and will have temperatures monitored.  No one with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will be permitted to enter the Courthouse.  The number of people allowed to enter the courtroom will be limited as to be determined in each case.  Each in-court hearing or trial may have administrative orders issued by the court after consultation with the counsel and pro se litigants, when possible.

These orders shall be interpreted to balance the need to administer justice in proceeding with the work of the Court with the need to protect the parties, jurors, counsel, witnesses and court staff and the public from the risks associated with the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Duties of the Court

The Court of Common Pleas handles all felony criminal cases, and civil cases of all kinds involving claims typically in excess of $15,000 or injunctive relief, as well as appeals from state agencies.

 

If you have been summoned on a particular date, please call the court after 4:30pm at (419)739-6764 one business day prior to the trial.

Click HERE for more information if you have been summoned for a particular date.