Criminal records in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, are public documents that record arrests, charges, court decisions, and sentences. TuscarawasCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Court. The New Philadelphia Municipal Court and the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas handle most criminal cases at the local level.
How to Search Criminal Records in Tuscarawas
Start your search by determining what specific information you are looking for — a municipal court case, a felony case from the Court of Common Pleas, or state-level conviction information.
Online Search
- TuscarawasCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to view publicly available information about county criminal cases.
- New Philadelphia Municipal Court — handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and minor criminal cases within the county.
- Ohio DRC Offender Search — Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction database. Allows you to find individuals who are serving or have served sentences in state correctional facilities. The search requires the offender's number (with prefix A, R, or W) or last name.
- Ohio Supreme Court Public Docket — contains cases filed with the Supreme Court since 1985.
In-Person Visit
The Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas Clerk of Courts provides access to criminal cases directly at the courthouse. Public terminals allow you to view the case docket on-site. Contact the clerk if you need help with the search.
Written Request
Mail requests are accepted by the court's office at the address above. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. To obtain an official state-level criminal history check, submit a request to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), including fingerprints and the appropriate fee.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person (first and last name)
- Date of birth (if available)
- Case number, if you know it
Search Tuscarawas Criminal Cases by Case Number
Ohio courts use a standardized format for case numbers. Understanding this structure will help you find the case you need without unnecessary effort.
Typical format: YYYY CR NNNNN, where:
- YYYY — the year the case was filed (e.g., 2024)
- CR — case type code. For criminal cases in the Court of Common Pleas, "CR" (criminal) is usually used. The municipal court may use other designations: "CRB" for misdemeanors, "TRC" for criminal traffic violations.
- NNNNN — sequential case number within the year
If you only have part of the number — for example, the year and type — the court's office can narrow down the search. The case number is the most accurate identifier: it eliminates confusion with people of the same name and provides instant access to all documents of a specific proceeding.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Tuscarawas
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Ohio Revised Code under which the charge is brought, e.g., ORC §2913.02 — theft |
| Degree of Severity | Felony (1–5 degrees), Misdemeanor (1–4 degrees, minor misdemeanor), or Minor Offense |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change the charges as part of a plea agreement. The updated record reflects the new qualification. |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, and the case is closed
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court hearing where the defendant is read the charges and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge assesses whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (for felonies)
- Pre-Trial — the parties exchange evidence and discuss the possibility of a plea agreement
- Trial — the court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — announcement of the sentence after a guilty plea
- Review Hearing — a control hearing to check compliance with conditions (probation, fines)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court decision or by own plea |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not contest the charges but does not formally admit guilt |
| Acquitted | Acquittal — the court found insufficient evidence |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Tuscarawas
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for employment, licensing, or legal procedures. A regular printout from the online system does not have legal force — a document with the court's seal is required.
Where to Apply
The Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas Clerk of Courts issues certified copies of criminal cases handled by this court. For municipal court cases, contact the New Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the office with a photo ID. The clerk will prepare and certify the copy with a seal.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the party, case number (if known), type of document needed, and return address. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check made payable to Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts.
State-Level Criminal History Check
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) processes requests for a complete criminal history check. This requires fingerprints submitted through an authorized WebCheck location. Results usually arrive within 2–5 business days.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Tuscarawas
Fees are set according to the Ohio Revised Code and local court rules. Below are approximate rates — check with the office for current amounts.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (per page) | $0.05–$0.25 | Depends on the type of document |
| Certification | $1.00–$5.00 per document | Added to the cost of copying |
| Criminal History Check via BCI (WebCheck) | $22.00–$32.00 | Depends on whether FBI check is included |
Processing Time
- Copies On-Site — usually issued on the day of the request if the case is available in the electronic docket
- Mail Requests — 5 to 10 business days after receipt
- BCI WebCheck — results arrive within 2–5 business days; more complex cases may take up to 30 days
Payment is accepted in the form of a money order or cashier's check. Some offices also accept credit cards for in-person requests — confirm this in advance by phone. According to Ohio trial court rules, each court publishes its own fee schedule, so exact amounts may vary between the Court of Common Pleas and the municipal court.