Criminal/Traffic FAQs

• How can I clear up my warrant?

  Refer to our Case Information site for payment and bond information or contact the Criminal/Traffic Violations Bureau at 216-664-4790 for assistance.

• What is expungement (or sealing) of a record?

  Expungement refers to the sealing of a criminal record so that it is not publicly available. This can be an important for many people, as many employment and credit decisions are based upon such publicly available negative information on an applicant. You should consult with an Ohio attorney to help you with this process. If you cannot afford a lawyer, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (216) 687-1900 or the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office (216) 443-2190 can help. The fee for filing an expungement request at Cleveland Municipal Court is $50.

• How do I obtain driving privileges?

  • Refer to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Website at www.bmv.ohio.gov.com or call (614) 752-7500 to review your requirements for limited driving privileges.
  • Request for limited driving privileges motions can be located in the forms library. The motions available for filing include: 12-Point Suspension, Non-Compliance (FRA Suspension), Reinstatement Fee Plan with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Administrative License Suspension (ALS).
  • Limited driving privileges motions are to be completed and filed in person at the Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Courts Office – Criminal/Traffic Division at 1200 Ontario Street – 3rd Level.
  • A $50 fee is required at the time of filing (we accept cash, MasterCard, Visa and Discover. No checks accepted.)
  • Hearing dates are scheduled each Friday of the month; excluding ALS hearings.

• How do I enter a Plea of Not Guilty filing prior to arraignment per Traffic Rule C?

  • Plea of Not Guilty filings per Traffic Rule C must be filed prior to arraignment.
  • When filing under Traffic Rule C, you must not have any outstanding warrants in the Cleveland Municipal Court.
  • Please notify the clerk at the time of filing if you have a pending cases filed in Cleveland Municipal Court.
  • P. O. Boxes are not accepted as an address for service of a summons.

• How do I post a bond?

  • All bonds are to be posted in person at the Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Courts Office – Criminal/Traffic Division at 1200 Ontario Street – 3rd Level.
  • Bonds can be posted 24 hours a day.
  • To obtain bond information, please contact the Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Courts at (216) 664-4790.
  • Proper photo identification is required for the posting of bond. (Government Issued Photo ID and/or birth certificate and social security card.
  • Acceptable methods of payment are Cash, MasterCard, Visa and Discover.  No checks accepted.
  • Failure to appear at all required appearances may result in forfeiture of bond in accordance with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2937.35.

• What will happen if I fail to show my proof of insurance at the time of my traffic stop?

  Under Ohio law, you are required to show proof of financial responsibility or insurance at the time of receiving a ticket.  If you do not submit proof, your driver's license will be suspended and may be subject to additional fees and insurance sanctions.

• Can I reschedule my court date over the phone?

  No.

  A few additional reminders:

  • All bonds are to be posted in person at the Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Courts Office – Criminal/Traffic Division at 1200 Ontario Street – 3^rd Level.
  • Bonds can be posted 24 hours a day.
  • To obtain bond information, please contact the Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Courts at 216-664-4790.
  • Proper photo identification is required for the posting of bond. (Government Issued Photo ID and/or birth certificate and social security card.)
  • Acceptable methods of payment are Cash, MasterCard, Visa and Discover.  No checks accepted.
  • Failure to appear at all required appearances may result in forfeiture of bond in accordance with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2937.35.

• What are the hours to make payments?

  You can make online payments 24 hours a day; Just click on "Pay My Ticket"

  To pay in person:

  Monday - Friday	8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
  Saturday and Sunday	10 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

   The Court is closed on all legal holidays.

• How can I view my Warrant Block Information, Reinstatement Requirements and Driving Record?

  Visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website at http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/ or call 614-752-7500.

• How soon can I pay my ticket?

  You can pay online at clevelandmunicipalcourt.org; Just Click on "Pay My Ticket". Please allow five (5) business days from the date of issuance to make payment.