Local Rule 44

NOTARY PUBLIC COMMITTEE

44. (A) For the purpose of assisting this Court in the performance of its duties pursuant to Chapter 147 of the Revised Code of Ohio, the Court hereby establishes a committee of five persons to be known as the Notary Public Committee.

44. (B) The Court shall, by Journal Entry duly filed with the Clerk of Court, appoint the members of the committee to serve until their successors are appointed. The President of the Crawford County Bar Association shall submit recommendations to the Court for such appointments. All members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Court.

44. (C) All notary public application shall be accompanied by the fee provided by law for the Commission Clerk for the Secretary of State’s Office, which amount shall be refunded to the applicant in the event the application is not approved.

44. (D) All new applicants shall be required to take an “open book” examination and achieve a minimum passing score of 90%. The examination may be retaken until a passing score is achieved. Applicants for renewal who have not previously taken the examination shall be required to take the “open book” examination and achieve a minimum passing score of 90%. Applicants for renewals may retake the examination until a passing score is achieved.

44. (E) Attorneys at Law admitted to the practice of law in Ohio, and persons under their direct supervision, shall not be required to take an examination. However, their application shall be on the form prescribed by the Committee.

44. (F) Whenever it shall come to the attention of the Committee that any Notary Public is improperly exercising his/her office or powers in this county, it shall be the duty of the chairman, or any other member of the Notary Public Committee to file a complaint with the Court setting forth in a brief manner the acts or things done improperly by such notary public. Said complaint shall request a time and place to be set for a hearing thereon and verify that said notary public has been duly notified. The Court shall conduct a hearing on said complaint and make such orders or findings as in its discretion are just and proper in the circumstances. If court appearances are required, the attorney representing the Committee may submit a cost bill to the Court for payment, but in no event shall said fee exceed $500.00.

44. (G) The Clerk of this Court shall accept for filing all complaints filed pursuant to section 44 (F) and all filing fees, service costs and court costs associated with the filing of such complaint shall be waived until a judgment is entered by the Court for a violation, at which time such costs shall be charged to the offender.

(Revised October 14, 2003)