Court Technology FAQs

May I bring my electronic device into the Courthouse? Yes. Laptops, smartphones, and tablets are permitted in the Courthouses for people who are waiting for trials or hearing. The Courthouses has free public Wi-Fi.

May I bring my device or smartphone into a courtroom? That depends. If you will be using a device to present something to the Court, you may use that device as appropriate under the Judge’s or Magistrate’s direction. However, when not is use, the Court will require that you turn off smartphones and other devices in the courtroom to avoid disrupting the proceedings.

What connections will be available if I need to use my device for a presentation? Each courtroom has HDMI and VGA cables and an audio jack for connections. Each courtroom has free Wi-Fi.

My device uses a different connection. Can I still use it? Yes. However, an attorney or party is responsible for supplying any non-standard connection that the Court does not offer, such as FireWire, mini-USB, USB-C or Lightning cable and/or adapter. You can use Wi-Fi instead of a cable connection.

Does my device have to use Windows to connect? No. The Court’s technology is platform neutral. You may use Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android systems. It is your responsibility to make sure whatever system and hardware you use works with the court connections.

What does the Court supply in each courtroom? Several hardware items are provided in the courtroom. Each courtroom is equipped with connection cables at the bailiff’s desk. The bailiff has a desktop computer to assist the court with accessing information. Please call the courtroom staff in advance if you have a specific question about the hardware the Court supplies and its usage.

Can the Court help me with my use of technology? Yes, to a degree. Court staff can help you with setup and connection of your device. It is your responsibility to make sure your system provides the desired output. Please remember court staff cannot help you with the actual legal presentation. No member of the court staff can offer legal advice or assistance to any party or witness.

Can I use my device to present documents or other exhibits? Yes. Documents stored on a computer or tablet can be used as exhibits and may be considered by a Court. However, the Ohio Rules of Evidence do apply. Exhibits will have to meet those legal requirements to be admitted. Just because something is stored on a computer or other device does not make it automatically admissible as evidence or an exhibit. The Judge or Magistrate may require paper copies of exhibits for use in Court or by the Court of Appeals.

Can I file pleadings, motions, and other documents with the Clerk by computer? No. Legal papers for filing with the Clerk of Courts can only be submitted in-person, by mail or by fax.

I want to look at a Court file. Can I do that without coming to the Courthouse? Yes. The Clerk of Courts maintains online access to the docket. You can review the Municipal Court case docket remotely, at https://services.portageco.com/eservices/home.page.2

I want to look at the Court schedule. Can I do that without coming to the Courthouse? Yes. The Judges’ dockets/schedules are all online. You can view them under the “Municipal Court Schedules” tab on the Portage County website through this LINK. https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/municipal-court/pages/municipal-court-schedules

May I record Proceedings while I am in the courtroom as a party, witness, or spectator? No. The only recording allowed in a courtroom is the authorized one created by the Official Court Reporter on the Court’s recording system. If you are caught recording, you will be ordered to stop and may be removed from the courtroom.

If I cannot record the proceedings, how can I get a recording or transcript? All transcripts and audio recordings are available through the Official Court Reporter. You can get information about transcripts or recordings by contacting the Court Reporter assigned to the Court in which your case was heard. https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/municipal-court

I want to ask the Judge on my case a question. How do I do that? You cannot. Judicial ethics prohibit any kind of communications (email, mail, oral, etc.) with a Judge or Magistrate outside the presence of the other party. Any attempt to communicate by email or otherwise with a Judge or Magistrate will be rejected without reading.