What to expect when you come to the Meigs County Courthouse — and the rules that apply once you are inside the courtroom.
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Finding the courtrooms
Two courts sit in the Meigs County Courthouse, and they handle different kinds of cases. Check your paperwork for the name of the court and the judge before you arrive.
Common Pleas Court — Judge Linda R. Warner
The Common Pleas courtroom is inside the double doors beneath the information screen. Court offices are on the third floor in Room 302.
Meigs County Court — Judge Michael L. Barr
The County Court is to the right of the information screen, next to the elevator. It is a separate court from this one — contact them at meigscoct@yahoo.com.
No deadly weapons of any kind are permitted in the courthouse or the courtrooms.
Everyone who enters — and everything brought in — is subject to search.
No food or drink in the courtroom. Water is permitted in a closed, capped container.
There is no expectation of privacy in the common areas of the courthouse or in the courtrooms.
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Courtroom conduct & attire
Please remain quiet and avoid disturbances while court is in session. Anyone who violates the courtroom rules may be required to leave.
Proper attire is required. Clothing that is explicit or vulgar is not permitted, and anyone dressed inappropriately will be asked to leave, change, and return. Remove hats, hoods, and other head coverings before entering and while you are in the courtroom, so the bailiffs can see your face clearly.
You cannot talk to or meet with the judge individually. You will have your opportunity to discuss your matter in open court, with all parties and their attorneys present. Attempting to speak with the judge privately may require the judge to step aside and have another judge assigned, which delays your case. See communicating with the court for how to reach the judge properly.
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Phones, recording & live stream
All cell phones must be turned off in the courtroom.
No recording or photography in the courtroom without a prior written request and a court order.
Phones may be confiscated from anyone who violates this policy.
The courtroom is under video and audio surveillance at all times. While court is in session, proceedings may be live-streamed on the court’s Zoom room and the Meigs County Common Pleas Court YouTube channel (opens in a new tab). By entering the courtroom you consent to your image being streamed. See the Virtual Court page for how to attend or observe remotely.
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The court's facility dogs
Judge Warner with Senna and Liberty.
Two dogs are part of the Meigs County Common Pleas Court staff, and both were rescued. Senna is a mixed breed adopted from the Meigs County K9 Rescue Center in 2019. Liberty — Libby — is a Great Pyrenees rescued from a home in Toledo in 2023. They may enter the courtroom and interact with parties, attorneys, witnesses, and visitors.
If you have allergies or are afraid of dogs, please tell the Clerk of Courts when you arrive and the dogs will be kept away from you. Just ask — no explanation is needed.
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Children & sensitive testimony
Testimony, evidence, photographs, or video shown in the courtroom may be graphic and is not suitable for all audiences. Please use discretion before bringing children or others in your care into the courtroom.
Children are discouraged from attending serious criminal trials and custody matters, and may be asked to leave if they are disruptive. Child victims and witnesses may be present in the courtroom for that purpose.
The courtrooms may include individuals accused of committing violent, serious crimes. Unless you are required to be there, you should not enter if you would not be comfortable.
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Interpreters & accessibility
Interpreter services and ADA/disability accommodations are available on request — please direct your request to court staff in advance where possible.
Headphones are available for those who are hard of hearing.
Documents can be projected on the courtroom screen and enlarged for people with vision difficulties.
Public restrooms are down the hall on the right — follow the signs at the end of the hall. They are unisex, so please lock the door behind you. An additional public restroom may be available in the ground floor security area.
Probation check-in
The probation check-in kiosk is down the hall to the right, near the end of the hallway on the left-hand side. Probation offices are in Room 300, and the department can be reached at (740) 992-4635. If you are a criminal defendant, check in with Probation before using the restroom — a drug screen may need to be administered.
Law library
Self-help and pro se resources are in the Law Library, down the hallway on the right, across from the public restrooms. Library computers are available for legal research. Court staff cannot give legal advice — the library provides legal information, not legal representation. The Meigs County Public Library (216 W. Main St., Pomeroy) can also be reached at (740) 992-5813.
schedule
Hours & holiday closures
The court is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and is closed weekends and the following holidays:
