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General
Information
Clerk
of Court
Probation
Links |
Clerk
of Court
"The Clerk of Court's Office is pleased to provide the following information to the fine communities and agencies that we serve. We strive to offer quality and courteous assistance to those who come in contact with our court. Although we have attempted to provide information on all the services provided through our division, it is conceivable that those of you who have never had contact with the judicial system may need further assistance. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions."
Mary A. Cowell, Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court's Office is responsible for processing over 14,000 complaints and traffic violations per year. This includes accepting affidavits, issuing warrants, summons, executions, subpoenas, and papers issuing out of the court; receiving, collecting, and issuing receipts for all costs, fees, fines, bail, and other monies payable to the office, as well as disbursing such funds to the proper persons or agencies. In addition, the Clerk's Office maintains the court's docket and other public records to accurately reflect the relief granted or orders made in each action. The Clerk's Office staff provides assistance to the public, law enforcement agencies, and attorneys who utilize the services of the court.
Criminal
cases heard in the Bowling Green Municipal Court are misdemeanor charges
that carry a maximum incarceration period of twelve (12) months and
maximum fine of $1,000. Offenses
carrying a greater penalty (felony charges) may initially be handled in
this court until a probable cause hearing is held.
If probable cause is found, the case is sent to the Wood County
Common Pleas Court for final disposition.
Visit the criminal division for more information about what to
expect in the event you are charged with a criminal offense.
Traffic
violations handled in this court range from speeding offenses to driving
under the influence of alcohol cases.
The violations bureau handles payouts of certain traffic
offenses, and is also located in this division.
Payout schedules, how to show proof of insurance, and several
other issues are covered in the Traffic Division.
The
civil division handles disputes involving dollar amounts up to fifteen
thousand dollars ($15,000), usually due to personal injury and property
damage, contracts or unpaid accounts, and landlord-tenant disputes,
including evictions. Other
actions handled through the civil division include collection of
judgments via garnishments, trusteeships, rent escrow, and appeals to
the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for 12-point driving suspensions.
Civil marriage ceremonies are scheduled through the civil
division. By visiting the
civil division, you will find our current filing fee schedule and
additional information about civil lawsuits and how to collect
judgments.
Small
Claims cases are civil disputes involving monetary amounts up to three
thousand dollars ($3,000). How
to file, whether you need an attorney, and what to expect when you
appear in court, are just a few of the questions answered by visiting
the small claims division.
Bond
is usually an amount of money that a defendant must post to be released
from jail in an effort to assure the defendant's appearance in court.
Where to go to post a bond, an explanation of the different types
of bond, and when bonds are refunded are covered in this section.
Jury
trials are held in our court on criminal, traffic, and civil cases.
If you have been called for jury duty, frequently asked questions
and answers can be found by visiting this page.
Forms for each division may be downloaded for your use. |
