Scott T. Gusweiler, Judge
General Division
101 South Main Street
Georgetown, Ohio 45121
Phone (937) 378-4101 Fax (937) 378-4212
How is court proceedings recorded?
All courtrooms are equipped with microphones, and proceedings are digitally recorded. In certain circumstances, a stenographer may also be present, at the discretion of the Judge, depending on the type of case.
Is everything on the record?
Even though every courtroom, including the Magistrate’s Courtroom, is equipped with a digital recording system, the Judge or Magistrate determines what proceedings are held on the record and what proceedings are off the record. Sidebar conferences in any type of jury trial are recorded via two microphones. This is done to preserve the record, while the jury only hears white noise.
I need to order a transcript. How do I do that?
Please contact the Official Court Reporter via email jorr@browncountycourt.us or by telephone (937) 378-4101, ext. 102. You will need the following information: case caption, case number, hearing date, type of hearing, and the name of the Judge. The following is a guideline for making transcripts and copies as provided in Section 2301.23 of the O.R.C. and fixed as pursuant to Section 2301.24 O.R.C.
Regular Delivery Transcript
$4.50 per page for an original transcript
Expedited Delivery
$7.95 overnight
The fee for a copy of a prepared transcript is 10 cents per page for a paper copy or free for an electronic copy.
I need to rush a transcript. Can I do that?
Yes. Transcripts are available on an expedited basis within the constraints of the court reporter’s workload.
Can I order a CD instead of a transcript?
Yes. CDs are $25.00. It’s a computer CD and must be played on a computer. Prior to December 2017, CDs contain audio only and can be listened to after you download www.fortherecord.com, which is a free website. After December 2017, CDs contain audio and visual and can be viewed utilzing Windows Media Player. The same case information is needed to order a CD as would be needed for a printed transcript.
Can I use the free audio CD to create my own transcript for use in a trial or an appeal?
No. Attorneys should note that if a transcript is needed, it must be prepared by the Official Court Reporter. Transcripts made from an audio CD by other court reporting agencies are not the official record and cannot be used for cross-examination or appeal purposes.
How are the exhibits handled?
The Judge’s Official Court Reporter is the custodian of any exhibits admitted during a hearing or trial. They remain in her possession until an appeal is filed, in which case the exhibits will be transferred to the Court of Appeals as part of the record. If there is no appeal, after the case is concluded, and the statutory time period has passed, the exhibits may be destroyed by entry of the Court. Each Judge may have slightly different logistics, so you might want to check with the Official Court Reporter for specific details.
Where do I pick up transcripts or CDs?
The Official Court Reporter’s office is on the second floor of the Brown County Common Pleas Courthouse, 101 South Main St., Georgetown.