Public Record Searching Techniques
This nine-page primer provides insight on the basics of public record searching including how to evaluate and use online sources.
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Helpful Information About Public Record Searching
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Eight Tips for Searching Court's Online Record Databases
This nine-page primer provides insight on the basics of public record searching including how to evaluate and use online sources.
Read MoreA Guide to Motor Vehicle Records
Sometimes motor vehicle records are public, sometime not. This six-page article examines how to access driving records, license status checks, monitoring systems, vehicle title and registration records, vessel title and registration records, accident reports, and liens.
Read MoreFederal Agency Sanctions and Watch Lists
This four-page article examines where to find public record databases of individuals and companies that have sanctions, violations, enforcement actions, or warnings initiated against them by one of nine different federal government departments with sanctioning ability.
Read MoreDisturbing Facts About the Accuracy and Currency at State Criminal Record Repositories
Many employers and state licensing boards depend on state criminal record repositories as a primary resource when performing a criminal record background check. What these entities do not realize is that a search of the state criminal record database may not be as accurate as assumed. This information comes direct from a 132 page DOJ Survey.
Read MoreSearching Recorded Documents Judgments, and Liens
Recorded documents, judgments and liens are among the most popular types of public records sought. This six-page guide examines the basics when performing these searches at the local level.
Read MoreOverview of the Washington (State) Court System and Changes to Online Access
Washington has a new online access system to court records. The old system remains in place, but all courts are not necessarily participating in the new system and/or not updating content into the older system.
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Monday, June 2, 2025
Lorain County, Ohio Security Incident
On Monday, June 2nd, the courts in Lorain County, Ohio, reopened following a security incident. The County Commissioner became aware of a network security issue on or about May 29th. Impacted systems were quickly taken offline in an abundance of caution. Since then, the county has begun work to secure systems. All county and government offices are open to the public. Online access to the Common Pleas Court docket search is available however the content is not current. The site indicates it was last updated on Thursday, May 29th at 1 pm. The court staff are assisting the public with records as needed during this downtime.