lima-news-court-records provide real-time access to criminal, civil, and traffic case outcomes from the Lima Municipal Court and surrounding Allen County jurisdictions. These public records include sentencing details, docket numbers, judge rulings, fines, jail terms, and rehabilitation requirements. Residents, legal professionals, and researchers rely on lima-news-court-records to track local justice system activity, verify legal outcomes, or conduct background checks. The information is sourced directly from official court filings and verified through trusted local news outlets like The Lima News and NewsKudo. Each entry includes precise dates, courtroom locations, statutory citations (such as Ohio Rev. Code § 2925.04), and defendant demographics. This ensures full transparency and supports civic awareness. Whether you’re checking a neighbor’s case, researching legal precedents, or confirming a conviction, lima-news-court-records offer accurate, timely, and searchable data.
How Lima News Court Records Are Collected and Published
Local journalists and court reporters gather lima-news-court-records directly from the Lima Municipal Court’s public docket system. After each hearing, clerks enter case resolutions into the official database, which is accessible during business hours. Reporters review these entries daily, focusing on convictions, sentencing outcomes, and notable judicial decisions. They cross-check names, addresses, docket numbers, and charges with court documents to ensure accuracy. Once verified, summaries are published in print and online through platforms like The Lima News and syndicated partners such as NewsKudo. These reports follow strict journalistic standards and include only publicly available information. No sealed or expunged records appear. The process ensures that lima-news-court-records remain a trusted, up-to-date resource for the community.
Key Features of Lima News Court Records
Every lima-news-court-record includes essential details for easy identification and reference. These features include the defendant’s full name, age, and residential address (when available). Each case is assigned a unique docket number (e.g., 2021-CR-01873) for tracking in the court system. The specific Ohio Revised Code violation is cited, such as § 4511.19 for OVI offenses. Sentencing outcomes list jail time served or suspended, fines imposed, and mandatory programs like substance abuse treatment or driver improvement courses. The presiding judge’s name and courtroom number are recorded, along with the exact date and time of judgment entry. Bond amounts and restitution orders may also appear. This level of detail helps users understand not just the crime, but the full legal consequence and rehabilitation path.
December 2021 Docket Highlights from Lima News
In December 2021, lima-news-court-records captured several significant convictions. Kurtis D. Barnes, age 30, was sentenced to 30 days in custody and a $150 fine for drug possession under Ohio Rev. Code § 2925.04. Judge Thomas J. Myers emphasized his prior misdemeanor history during the 10:45 a.m. hearing in Courtroom 2. On the same day, Jonathan M. Dupree, age 39, received 180 days in jail (170 suspended), a $550 fine, and a driver-improvement course for an OVI conviction under § 4511.19. Judge Linda K. Peters presided over both cases, which were logged under dockets 2021-CR-01873 and 2021-CR-01874. These entries were republished by NewsKudo with identical penalties confirmed, ensuring wide public visibility.
November 2021 Cases: Substance Offenses and Rehabilitation Orders
November 2021 lima-news-court-records featured John A. Higginbotham, a 41-year-old homeless individual convicted of methamphetamine possession. Police recovered the drugs during a routine patrol at Main Street and Ohio Avenue. He received 45 days in jail, a $200 fine, and mandatory enrollment in an outpatient rehab program. Judge Carla M. Henderson entered the judgment on November 10, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. under docket 2021-CR-02109. This case highlighted the court’s focus on treatment over punishment for nonviolent drug offenses. The inclusion of rehabilitation mandates shows how lima-news-court-records reflect evolving justice priorities in Allen County.
October 2021: DWI Convictions and License Suspensions
Michelle L. Denson, age 24, appeared in lima-news-court-records after failing a field sobriety test with a 0.12% BAC. She was convicted of DWI and sentenced to 90 days in jail (60 suspended), a $1,200 fine, and a three-month license suspension. Judge Robert H. Ellis required her to complete an alcohol-awareness program before regaining driving privileges. The hearing occurred on October 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 4, docketed as 2021-CR-01958. This case illustrates how lima-news-court-records document not only penalties but also steps toward behavioral change and public safety.
August 2021: No-Contest Pleas and Probation Terms
Rory A. Chivington Jr., age 32, entered a no-contest plea to Schedule II drug charges in August 2021. The court sentenced him to 30 days in Allen County Jail, 30 days of supervised probation, and a $250 restitution payment. Judge Emily R. Foster noted his willingness to enter treatment as a mitigating factor. The case, docket 2021-CR-02231, was recorded on August 13, 2021, at 9:15 a.m. This entry in lima-news-court-records shows how plea agreements and rehabilitation efforts influence sentencing outcomes in drug-related cases.
June 2021: Obstruction Charges and Court Procedures
Jason L. Clapper, age 28, was convicted of obstructing official business after refusing to hand over a subpoenaed document to a grand jury. He received a ten-day jail sentence (all suspended), a $100 fine, and a courtroom-procedures workshop. Judge Mark D. Sullivan also ordered reimbursement of filing costs to the prosecutor’s office. The judgment was entered on June 22, 2021, at 3:40 p.m., docket 2021-CR-01745. This case demonstrates how lima-news-court-records cover white-collar and procedural crimes, not just violent or drug offenses.
Property Damage and Assault Cases in Mid-2021
Dalton C. Simon, age 37, was found guilty of criminal damaging after causing $4,000 in fire-related warehouse damage. He received 90 days in jail (87 suspended), a $250 fine, and appeared under docket 2021-CR-01990 on July 5, 2021. Brooklyn McNeal, age 21, was convicted of assault following a bar altercation and sentenced to 90 days served and a $250 fine, docket 2021-CR-01992. Both cases were included in lima-news-court-records via NewsKudo’s update, showing coverage of both local and out-of-county defendants.
January 2021: Burglary and Restitution Orders
Jaimie L. Bailey, age 30, was convicted of criminal damaging after a break-in caused $3,200 in losses to a boutique. She received a 90-day jail sentence (all served), a $500 fine, and full restitution. Judge Harold G. Miller entered the verdict on January 15, 2021, at 2:20 p.m., docket 2021-CR-00312. This case highlights how lima-news-court-records include financial accountability measures, ensuring victims receive compensation.
Putnam County Civil Judgments Covered by Lima News
While focused on Lima, the news outlet also reports on nearby jurisdictions. In November 2021, Putnam County Common Pleas Court awarded Treasurer Tracy Warnecke $2,135.93 from Continental Corporation for unpaid property taxes. The judgment, docket 2021-CV-00456, required payment within 30 days plus $145 in court costs. Judge Susan L. Baker ruled on October 30, 2021. This inclusion shows lima-news-court-records extend beyond criminal cases to civil financial disputes affecting regional governance.
Official Lima Municipal Court Website and Services
The Lima Municipal Court’s official site provides direct access to case filings, fee schedules, and session calendars. It handles traffic, criminal, and civil matters within Allen County. The courthouse is located on Union Street, across from the Allen County Health Department and next to the municipal bus station. Parking includes a west-side lot and metered spaces on the north side, monitored by city enforcement. Online tools allow users to search dockets, pay fines, or schedule hearings. This complements lima-news-court-records by offering primary source verification.
Why Lima News Court Records Matter to the Community
Public access to lima-news-court-records strengthens trust in the justice system. Citizens can monitor local crime trends, verify legal outcomes, or research potential tenants or employees. Legal professionals use them for case preparation and precedent research. Journalists rely on them for accurate reporting. The transparency supports accountability and informed civic engagement. Without these records, many legal events would go unnoticed or misunderstood.
How to Use Lima News Court Records Responsibly
While lima-news-court-records are public, users must avoid misrepresenting or stigmatizing individuals. A conviction does not define a person’s entire character. Employers, landlords, and neighbors should consider rehabilitation efforts and time passed since sentencing. Always verify information with the official court before making decisions. Misuse can lead to discrimination or privacy violations. Responsible use ensures fairness and upholds community values.
Limitations and Accuracy of Lima News Court Records
Although lima-news-court-records are generally accurate, they may lag behind real-time court updates. Minor errors in names or dates can occur during transcription. Only final judgments are reported—appeals or expungements may not appear immediately. Users should cross-check with the official court website for the most current status. Relying solely on news reports without verification can lead to outdated conclusions.
Future of Lima News Court Records Reporting
As digital access improves, lima-news-court-records may include live docket feeds, mobile alerts, or searchable databases. Integration with county systems could reduce delays and increase detail. However, privacy concerns will require careful balance. The goal remains clear: provide timely, accurate, and accessible legal information to all residents.
Related Legal Resources in Ohio
For broader searches, users can explore Wyoming County Jail Inmate Search, Sterling Law Offices, Pima County Divorce Records, Search Fre, Cherokee County Adult Detention Center Inmate Search, and Connecticut Birth Records Search. These tools complement lima-news-court-records by covering adjacent regions and legal needs.
Contact Information for Lima Municipal Court
Lima Municipal Court
2021 Union Street
Lima, OH 45801
Phone: (419) 221-5200
Website: http://www.cityhall.lima.oh.us/index.aspx?NID=100
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lima News Court Records
lima-news-court-records serve as a vital public service, but many users have questions about their scope, accuracy, and use. Below are common inquiries with detailed answers based on verified court practices and reporting standards.
Are lima-news-court-records updated in real time?
No, lima-news-court-records are not updated in real time. Reports are typically published within 24 to 48 hours after a court session ends. Journalists review finalized dockets, verify details with court clerks, and write summaries for publication. This delay ensures accuracy but means the most recent hearings may not appear immediately. For up-to-the-minute information, the official Lima Municipal Court website offers live docket access. Always check both sources when timing is critical.
Can I find expunged or sealed cases in lima-news-court-records?
No, expunged or sealed cases do not appear in lima-news-court-records. Ohio law prohibits the publication of records that have been legally removed from public view. News outlets follow strict guidelines to avoid reporting on such cases. If a record was published before expungement, it may remain online, but updated reports will note the change. Always confirm current status with the court clerk if privacy is a concern.
How accurate are the names and addresses in lima-news-court-records?
Names and addresses in lima-news-court-records are highly accurate because they are copied directly from official court documents. However, minor typos can occur during transcription. Addresses may be omitted for safety or privacy reasons, especially in domestic violence cases. If you spot an error, contact The Lima News corrections desk or the court clerk. Most outlets issue corrections promptly when notified.
Do lima-news-court-records include juvenile cases?
No, juvenile cases are not included in lima-news-court-records. Ohio law protects the identity of minors in criminal proceedings. These cases are handled in separate juvenile courts and are not part of the public docket. Only adult convictions appear in news reports. This ensures young offenders have a chance at rehabilitation without lifelong stigma.
Can I use lima-news-court-records for employment background checks?
Yes, but with caution. Employers may use lima-news-court-records as part of a background check, but they must follow federal and state laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consent and disclosure if adverse action is taken based on criminal history. Ohio also limits how far back employers can look for convictions. Always verify records with the official court and consider the nature, severity, and time since the offense.
Why do some cases appear on NewsKudo but not The Lima News?
NewsKudo often republishes content from multiple sources, including The Lima News, but may add extra cases or update older reports. It acts as a content aggregator, so its database can be broader or more current. However, The Lima News remains the primary local source. For consistency, check both platforms, but prioritize the original publication date and docket number for accuracy.
How long do lima-news-court-records stay online?
Most lima-news-court-records remain online indefinitely unless removed due to legal request or error. News archives are maintained for historical and research purposes. Some older entries may be moved to deep archives but are still searchable. If you need a record removed for legitimate reasons, contact the news outlet’s editor and provide court documentation.