Lorain Municipal Court

EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2023 IF YOU RECEIVED A SUBPOENA PLEASE REPORT TO THE CLERK'S OFFICE AFTER YOU ARE DONE IN COURT TO RECEIVE YOUR WITNESS PAYMENT.

EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2023 CASE FILING FEES FOR ALL CASES WILL INCREASE BY $2.00

Click Here to print a copy of the Text Reminder Permission form to bring with you to Court or ask any Court employee how to sign up.

Being Evicted? Click here for Assistance

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NEW CIVIL AND EVICTION FILING RULES

NEW BOND SCHEDULE (effective 09/14/2021)

***REMINDER: ALL WAIVERS MUST BE PAID IN FULL***

If anyone wishes to bond an individual out of jail they can call (440) 204-2840 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to schedule an appointment or for after-hours bonding through any bondsperson that has previously registered with the Clerk of Court’s Office.

Traffic offenders will still have the option to waive their tickets by calling 440-204-2140 or online at www.lorainpayments.com.

Individuals with Civil cases or those intending to file a Civil case can inquire with the Clerk of Courts at (440) 204-2140 OPTION 2.

The Clerk of Courts will also be installing a dropbox outside of the main entrance of City Hall for payment of fines during normal business hours.  The Clerk of Courts office has added three new call in “payment hotlines” to accommodate those wishing to pay by phone.  (440) 204-2836, (440) 204-2847, or (440) 204-2841.

Effective Monday, November 30, 2020, the Court will begin implementing a process whereby arraignments for new cases will be conducted virtually. The Court’s plan is to have all arraignments heard virtually by December 7, 2020.  Anyone with questions about this new process can call, or Judge Elwell’s office at 440-204-2150 Judge Mihok’s office at 440-204-2159.

Eviction hearings will continue to be held in person on their currently scheduled dates.   Masking, social distancing and hygiene rules will be strictly enforced.

The Judges and Clerk of Courts want to emphasize that these procedures are subject to change as circumstances change and will keep the general public advised of same.

Jurisdiction

The court has jurisdiction on the violation of any ordinance of the city of Lorain or of any misdemeanor committed in Lorain. The court has jurisdiction to hold preliminary hearings in felony cases committed in Lorain and to discharge, recognize or commit the accused. The court’s territorial jurisdiction covers the city of Sheffield Lake and Sheffield Township as well as that of the city of Lorain.

Civil Cases

The court also has jurisdiction in civil cases where the amount to be recovered does not exceed Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000). Civil actions such as those for the recovery of property, those based on contract, interpleader, replevin, forcible entry and detainer, to satisfy judgments, for the sale of personal property, and for the foreclosure and marshalling of liens are all within the purview of the court.

Ordinances & Regulations

The court has jurisdiction in all actions for injunction to prevent or terminate violations of the ordinances and regulations of the city of Lorain enacted or promulgated under the police power of the city of Lorain, pursuant to Section 3 of Article XVIII, Ohio Constitution, over which the Common Pleas Court has or may have jurisdiction, and in such case, the court may proceed to render such judgments and make such findings and orders in the same manner and to the same extent as in like cases in the Court of Common Pleas.

Sale of Real Property

It also has jurisdiction in all actions and proceedings for the sale of real property under a lien of judgment of the municipal court, in all actions for the recovery of real property situated within its territory, and in all actions for the foreclosure of a mortgage or real property given to secure the payment of money. The statute authorizes the transfer of judgments from one court of record to another and any proceedings for collection may be had on such judgments the same as if it had been issued by the transferor court.