Cleveland County Court Records
What Is Cleveland County Court Records
Cleveland County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and legal matters processed through the Cleveland County courts. Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees in family court matters
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Cleveland County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death certificates), and tax records. According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 51 § 24A.3, court records are classified as "public records" subject to public access provisions under the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
The following courts maintain records within Cleveland County:
- Cleveland County District Court (handles felonies, civil cases over $10,000, probate, family matters)
- Cleveland County Special Judges Court (handles misdemeanors, small claims, traffic)
- Municipal Courts (handles city ordinance violations)
The Cleveland County court system maintains records for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements established by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Are Court Records Public In Cleveland County
Court records in Cleveland County are generally public documents pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.) and the constitutional principle of open courts established in Article 2, Section 6 of the Oklahoma Constitution. This legal framework establishes the presumption that court records are accessible to the public with certain exceptions.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
- Criminal case files (post-charging documents, including indictments and informations)
- Judgments and final orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing and trial schedules
- Property records in probate cases
- Divorce decrees (though financial disclosures may be restricted)
However, certain records may be sealed or restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (except as specified in 10A O.S. § 1-6-102)
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Certain domestic violence and victim information
- Social security numbers and financial account information
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records through the Rules for Records Management, which Cleveland County courts must follow. Federal court records for cases heard in the Western District of Oklahoma (which includes Cleveland County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the separate PACER system.
How To Find Court Records in Cleveland County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Cleveland County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple pathways for record retrieval based on the type of information needed and the requester's preference.
In-person requests remain the most comprehensive method for accessing court records:
- Visit the Cleveland County Court Clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
Cleveland County Court Clerk
200 S Peters Ave, Suite 13
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 321-6402
Cleveland County Court Clerk
For remote requests, individuals may:
- Submit a written request by mail to the Court Clerk's office
- Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
The Court Clerk accepts the following payment methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Money orders
- Cashier's checks
- Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fee)
For certified copies of court documents, requesters must specifically request certification and pay additional certification fees ($5.00 per document). Expedited service may be available for urgent requests for an additional fee.
Researchers conducting extensive searches may request permission to use the public access terminals located in the Court Clerk's office, which provide access to case indices and basic case information.
How To Look Up Court Records in Cleveland County Online?
Cleveland County provides digital access to court records through several online platforms, allowing users to search and retrieve certain court documents remotely. The primary online resources include:
The Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) serves as the comprehensive portal for Cleveland County court records:
- Navigate to the OSCN website
- Select "Cleveland" from the county dropdown menu
- Choose the appropriate search method:
- Case number search (most precise)
- Party name search (last name, first name format)
- Attorney search (bar number or name)
- Review search results showing case type, filing date, and parties
- Click on case numbers to view docket sheets with chronological case events
- Access available document images by clicking on document links
The OSCN system includes:
- Civil cases (including small claims)
- Criminal cases
- Family law matters
- Probate proceedings
- Traffic violations
For municipal court records in Norman (the county seat):
Norman Municipal Court
201 W Gray St
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 366-5396
Norman Municipal Court
- Visit the Norman Municipal Court Records Portal
- Enter citation number or name information
- Follow prompts to view case status and payment information
For Moore municipal violations:
Moore Municipal Court
117 E Main St
Moore, OK 73160
(405) 793-5060
Moore Municipal Court
Online access limitations include:
- Some document images may not be available online
- Certain sealed or confidential cases will not appear in search results
- Historical records (pre-digital) may require in-person requests
- Complete case files typically require in-person inspection
How To Search Cleveland County Court Records for Free?
Cleveland County residents and other interested parties may access certain court records without payment through several free options, in accordance with the Oklahoma Open Records Act. The law guarantees the right to inspect public records during regular business hours without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free in-person inspection options include:
- Visit the Cleveland County Court Clerk's office during public hours
- Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
- Take notes from records without requesting copies
- Review docket information and case indices
Cleveland County Court Clerk
200 S Peters Ave, Suite 13
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 321-6402
Cleveland County Court Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free online search options include:
-
The Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) provides free access to:
- Case docket information
- Party names and attorney information
- Case status and hearing dates
- Some document images (though not all documents are digitized)
-
The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup offers free searches for:
- Current inmate information
- Booking details
- Charges and court dates
-
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections Offender Search provides free access to:
- Conviction information
- Sentencing details
- Custody status
While basic searches are free, users should note:
- Document printing from public terminals incurs standard copy fees
- Certified copies require payment of certification fees
- Staff research assistance beyond basic guidance may involve service fees
- Commercial users or bulk data requesters may face additional charges
What's Included in a Cleveland County Court Record?
Cleveland County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. These records serve as the official account of court actions and typically include several standard components.
Civil case records generally contain:
- Initial pleadings (complaints, petitions, answers)
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgments
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
Criminal case records typically include:
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bond information
- Plea documents
- Motions and responses
- Evidence lists
- Court orders
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal filings (if applicable)
Family law case records often contain:
- Petitions for divorce or custody
- Financial affidavits (may be restricted)
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Temporary orders
- Final decrees
- Qualified domestic relations orders
- Modifications to original orders
Probate case records typically include:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of assets
- Claims against estates
- Notices to creditors
- Orders appointing personal representatives
- Final accountings
- Orders of distribution
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) listing all events in chronological order, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. Case indices provide cross-references by party name, case number, and filing date to facilitate record location.
How Long Does Cleveland County Keep Court Records?
Cleveland County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Oklahoma Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts. These schedules, authorized under Oklahoma Statutes Title 20 § 1005, specify minimum retention periods for various document types before disposition or archiving.
Criminal felony case records are subject to the following retention periods:
- Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Felony case exhibits: Until appeals exhausted plus 1 year
- Felony docket sheets: Permanent retention
Criminal misdemeanor records follow these schedules:
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 5 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor docket sheets: 25 years
Civil case records retention varies by type:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after final judgment
- Small claims: 5 years after final disposition
- Civil docket sheets: 25 years
- Property and real estate cases: 25 years
Family law records have specific retention requirements:
- Divorce cases: 30 years after final decree
- Child custody matters: Until youngest child reaches 18 plus 5 years
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Paternity cases: 75 years
Probate records follow these guidelines:
- Estate administration: 10 years after final distribution
- Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
- Conservatorship: 10 years after final accounting
- Wills: Permanent retention
The Cleveland County Court Clerk implements a systematic archiving process for older records. After the active retention period, records may be:
- Transferred to microfilm or digital format
- Relocated to secure archival storage
- In some cases, transferred to the Oklahoma State Archives
Researchers seeking historical court records beyond the active retention period should contact:
Oklahoma State Archives
800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 522-3579
Oklahoma State Archives
Types of Courts In Cleveland County
Cleveland County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels. These courts operate within Oklahoma's unified court system under the administrative oversight of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
The primary court in Cleveland County is:
Cleveland County District Court
200 S Peters Ave
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 321-6402
Cleveland County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Court has general jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters exceeding $10,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody)
- Probate and estate administration
- Juvenile proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Real property disputes
Within the District Court structure, Special Judges hear:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil matters under $10,000
- Small claims (up to $10,000)
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Protective orders
Municipal courts operate in several Cleveland County cities:
Norman Municipal Court
201 W Gray St
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 366-5396
Norman Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Moore Municipal Court
117 E Main St
Moore, OK 73160
(405) 793-5060
Moore Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Noble Municipal Court
304 S Main St
Noble, OK 73068
(405) 872-9201
Noble Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Appeals from Cleveland County District Court decisions are heard by:
Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
2100 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 556-9300
Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals
2100 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 556-9400
Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals
The highest court in Oklahoma's judicial system is:
Oklahoma Supreme Court
2100 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 556-9100
Oklahoma Supreme Court
What Types of Cases Do Cleveland County Courts Hear?
Cleveland County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions. The distribution of case types across the county's court system ensures appropriate handling based on case complexity and subject matter.
The Cleveland County District Court handles:
-
Felony criminal prosecutions, including:
- Homicide and violent crimes
- Drug trafficking and distribution
- Property crimes exceeding $1,000
- Sex offenses
- White-collar crimes
-
Major civil litigation, including:
- Personal injury claims exceeding $10,000
- Contract disputes above $10,000
- Real property litigation
- Complex business disputes
- Medical malpractice claims
- Product liability cases
-
Family law matters, including:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support establishment and modification
- Alimony determinations
- Property division
- Paternity establishment
- Adoption proceedings
- Guardianship of minors
-
Probate proceedings, including:
- Will validation
- Estate administration
- Trust administration
- Guardianship of incapacitated adults
- Conservatorship appointments
Cleveland County Special Judges preside over:
-
Misdemeanor criminal cases, including:
- DUI/DWI (first offense)
- Simple assault
- Petty theft
- Public intoxication
- Possession of small amounts of controlled substances
-
Small claims matters (disputes up to $10,000)
-
Civil cases valued under $10,000
-
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
-
Protective and restraining order proceedings
-
Traffic violations
Municipal Courts in Cleveland County handle:
- Violations of city ordinances
- Minor traffic infractions
- Public nuisance violations
- Animal control violations
- Parking citations
- Code enforcement matters
Juvenile proceedings in Cleveland County include:
- Delinquency cases (criminal acts by minors)
- Child welfare cases (abuse and neglect)
- Status offenses (truancy, runaway)
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile guardianship
These jurisdictional divisions ensure that cases are heard by courts with appropriate authority and expertise, promoting efficient administration of justice throughout Cleveland County.
How To Find a Court Docket In Cleveland County
Court dockets in Cleveland County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for specific cases. These dockets serve as the official record of case progression and are accessible through several methods.
The most comprehensive way to access Cleveland County court dockets is through the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN):
- Visit the OSCN Docket Search page
- Select "Cleveland" from the county dropdown menu
- Choose a search method:
- Case number (format: CF-YYYY-####)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Attorney bar number
- Review search results showing matching cases
- Click on case numbers to view detailed docket sheets
- Use the print function to generate hard copies if needed
For in-person docket access:
Cleveland County Court Clerk
200 S Peters Ave, Suite 13
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 321-6402
Cleveland County Court Clerk
- Visit the Court Clerk's office during business hours
- Request docket information at the public service counter
- Provide case number or party names
- Staff will assist with accessing docket information
- Public access terminals are available for self-service searching
For upcoming hearing schedules:
- Access the Cleveland County Court Calendar
- Select the desired date range and judge
- View scheduled hearings organized by courtroom and time
- Note that calendars are typically published one week in advance
For municipal court dockets:
Norman Municipal Court
201 W Gray St
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 366-5396
Norman Municipal Court
- Contact the court clerk by phone
- Provide citation number or name
- Request hearing date information
- Online docket information may be limited for municipal cases
Attorneys registered with the Oklahoma Supreme Court's electronic filing system can access dockets through the OSCN E-Filing Portal, which provides enhanced features including automatic case updates and document filing capabilities.
Which Courts in Cleveland County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Cleveland County's judicial system, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain official verbatim transcripts of proceedings and have limited jurisdiction. According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 20 § 91.1, courts not of record follow simplified procedures and typically handle less serious matters.
The following courts in Cleveland County function as courts not of record:
Norman Municipal Court
201 W Gray St
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 366-5396
Norman Municipal Court
Moore Municipal Court
117 E Main St
Moore, OK 73160
(405) 793-5060
Moore Municipal Court
Noble Municipal Court
304 S Main St
Noble, OK 73068
(405) 872-9201
Noble Municipal Court
These municipal courts handle:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic infractions within city limits
- Minor misdemeanors as defined by city code
- Code enforcement matters
- Parking violations
Key characteristics of these courts not of record include:
- No court reporter is present to create verbatim transcripts
- Proceedings are typically audio-recorded rather than transcribed
- Judges are not required to be attorneys in some instances
- Simplified rules of evidence and procedure may apply
- Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials) in District Court
- Maximum penalties are limited by state law
In contrast, the Cleveland County District Court operates as a court of record pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 20 § 91.2, maintaining official transcripts of proceedings and following formal rules of evidence and procedure.
When a case is appealed from a court not of record to the Cleveland County District Court, the case is heard anew rather than reviewed for errors. This means parties receive a completely new trial with different evidentiary standards and procedural requirements.
Defendants in municipal courts have the right to request jury trials for certain offenses, but these trials must be transferred to the District Court as courts not of record cannot conduct jury proceedings under Oklahoma law.