The Criminal/Traffic Division hears all misdemeanor criminal cases (cases where the maximum punishment can be no more than six months in jail and/or a fine of $1,000), ordinance violations, and traffic/parking violations that occur within Ashland County, Ohio.

The Civil and Small Claims Division hears all noncriminal, civil cases (cases involving disputes between businesses and individuals, such as breaches of contract and evictions, that are not punishable with jail time) where the amount in dispute is less than $15,000 for civil, or less than $6,000 for small claims cases, and the transaction occurred, the property is located in, or the defendant (the individual being sued) lives in Ashland County, Ohio.