Following are answers to some frequently asked questions. Please be aware that Court and Clerk’s Office representatives are not attorneys and cannot offer legal advice but are able to answer questions regarding operational processes only.
Bus Schedule
Courtroom Etiquette
Fax Filing Rules
Filing an Appeal
Filing a Civil Protection Order
How long can I expect to be in court?
How will I know when my next court date is?
Links/Resources
How can I obtain an attorney?
What should I bring to court?
I was subpoenaed as a witness on a case. What happens next?
What if I need an Interpreter for my court appearance?
I want to get my record sealed. What do I do? What is the procedure?
How do I get a copy of my previously sealed record?
How do I file a records request?
How long does it take to get my records request?
Can anyone get my record?
Where can I get my jail records?
How do I request a transcript?
Can I get something from your office with my Social Security Number on it?
What is a Case Disposition?
What is a Praecipe?
What does Certified vs Notarized mean?
What the Court Can and Cannot Do
What to Expect
What do some of these legal terms mean?
How long can I expect to be in court?
Multiple cases are scheduled for Court every day. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict how long you will be in Court. It is recommended that you check-in with the Clerk’s Office as soon as you arrive, in the event that your case needs to be pulled for the court staff. Cases scheduled for traffic/criminal arraignments are typically heard in the order individuals check in. Hearings scheduled for things other than arraignments are assigned to a judge’s courtroom and are heard based on the type of hearing and the availability of your attorney.
How will I know when my next court date is?
At the conclusion of your hearing, the bailiff will take you to the Assignment Office to receive your next court date on a slip of paper. You may also receive notice by mail or email.
How can I obtain an attorney?
For qualified indigent individuals, you may have the option of being screened for a public defender or the Court will assign you an attorney during your arraignment. Additionally, you my visit the Dayton Bar Association for assisting in finding any attorney.
What should I bring to court?
Please bring a valid form of identification, proof of insurance if your case is traffic related, program or community service completion certificates (if relevant), and funds to cover your fine(s) and court costs.
I was subpoenaed as a witness on a case. What happens next?
If you were subpoenaed to appear as a witness on a case, please bring your subpoena to court and present it to the Clerk’s Office when checking in. If applicable, you will receive a witness fee upon check in.
What if I need an Interpreter for my court appearance?
If you need an interpreter for court, you can request one at your initial appearance. If one is unavailable on that day, your case will be continued in order for the Court to obtain an interpreter. You will be notified either in person or by mail of your next court date.
I want to get my record sealed. What do I do? What is the procedure?
To request to have your record sealed, you must file an application for record sealing in the Clerk’s Office along with any applicable fees. Visit the forms section of our website to download the application packet for sealing for a conviction(s) or non-conviction(s). Please use one application even if applying for more than one case to be sealed. Please supply an original and two extra copies of your paperwork when filing it in the Clerk’s Office. You can use the Search Public Records portion of this website to look up your case information.
How do I get a copy of my previously sealed record?
You must submit an Affidavit and Defendant’s Request for Certified Copy of Sealed Record to the Clerk’s Office. Please bring this completed form along with a photo ID to the Clerk’s Office. Allow up to two business days to receive your information. There will be a fee for this request.
How do I file a records request?
| In person: Kettering Municipal Court, Clerk’s Office at 2325 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45420 |
| Via Mail: Attention Criminal/Traffic or Civil/Small Claims |
| Via Fax: (937) 534-7017 |
How long does it take to get my records request?
Depending on the size of the request, it may take at least two business days from receiving the request to fulfill demands. NOTE: Larger requests may take longer.
Can anyone get my records?
Our records are public, meaning any request we fulfill and give to you, we can give to anyone else. However, all social security numbers are redacted as they are not considered public information.
Where can I get my jail records?
We do not have access to or jurisdiction over jail records. These records must be requested from the agency that arrested and/or charged you.
How do I request a transcript?
You will need to put your request for a transcript in writing and file it in the clerk’s office. Be sure your request includes the case number(s) involved and all your contact information. Someone from the judge’s office will then contact you with the next steps.
Can I get something from your office with my Social Security Number on it?
No. We do not release social security numbers to anyone. They are not considered public record.
What is a Case Disposition?
A case disposition is the final outcome of a case; it could be a dismissal or conviction. We may also be able to provide a copy of the corresponding ticket/complaint if requested.
What is a Praecipe?
A written motion or request seeking some court action.
What does Certified vs Notarized mean?
| A certified court record contains a Clerk’s Office stamp determining that the record is a copy of the Court’s true and original document. It carries a signature of a sworn-in deputy clerk and has a raised seal. |
| A notarized document is one that has been certified by a notary public. Not all deputy clerks are a notary public. (The Clerk’s Office does not take general public requests for a notary.) |