Misdemeanor Arrests In Columbus Ohio
Misdemeanor offenses are typically less serious than felonies, and they often do not require the same amount of time and energy to address in court. This does not mean that the allegations can be taken lightly. If convicted of a misdemeanor offense, an alleged offender can still serve time in jail and pay hefty fines. Like felonies, misdemeanor convictions can show up on criminal records and make it difficult to find employment, housing, or college admission.
Lawyer For Misdemeanor Cases In Columbus, OH
If you were arrested for any misdemeanor crime in Ohio, you should seek out experienced legal representation. Brian Joslyn and his team at Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm aggressively defend their clients in Columbus and surrounding cities in Franklin County.
Call us at (513) 399-6289 to schedule a free, confidential consultation, and one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys will meet with you and review your case.
Information On Misdemeanor Arrests In Franklin County
- What Happens After A Person Is Charged With A Misdemeanor?
- How Are Misdemeanors Classified In Ohio?
- Where Can I Learn More About Misdemeanor Cases In Columbus?
How Misdemeanor Cases Are Handled In Ohio
Misdemeanor criminal cases are typically heard in municipal courts, which are trial courts located in counties and cities throughout Ohio. Franklin County Municipal Court is in Columbus and serves all communities within the county. The Court hears many kinds of cases, including misdemeanors, evictions, environmental, addiction and recovery, and more.
Arraignment
Following an arrest for a misdemeanor, alleged offenders appear in court for an arraignment. The alleged offender also has an option to hear a formal reading of the charges, although many individuals choose to waive the option. The alleged offender also enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In nearly every case, a “not guilty” plea is recommended. Finally, the judge typically sets bail, which is decided on three key factors:
- Severity of the charged crime
- Prior criminal record
- “Flight risk” (the likelihood that the alleged offender will flee to avoid court hearings)
Courts are also known to consider an alleged offender’s danger to self or others and ties to the local community (job, family support, living arrangements).
Sometimes a judge will release an individual from jail and set conditions on the person to ensure their return to future hearings.
Trial
It is unlikely for a misdemeanor charge to result in a trial. To avoid the time and resources required to prepare for and complete a trial, prosecutors and defense attorneys often negotiate “plea agreements.” Because Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm specializes in criminal defense, our attorneys have the experience to advocate for your case aggressively.
If a case does go to trial, a municipal court judge will often be the one hearing the evidence and deciding the verdict. However, the alleged offender can sometimes request a trial by jury. In these cases, a jury comprises eight citizens who must unanimously agree on a guilty or not guilty verdict. Either way, our team knows the strategies to argue for your case.
Classification Of Misdemeanor Crimes In Columbus
Ohio classifies misdemeanors into five categories. Each category has its own maximum possible jail terms and fines:
Minor Misdemeanor — Maximum fine of $150 and no jail sentence. This category includes disorderly conduct, illegal use or possession of marijuana (referred to in the Ohio Revised Code as “marihuana”), drug paraphernalia, and many traffic offenses such as speeding, U-turns, and seatbelt violations.
Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum fine of $250 and 30 days in jail. Offenses include certain menacing crimes, domestic violence, and public indecency offenses.
Third-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Offenses include certain sexual imposition, voyeurism, and criminal mischief offenses.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum fine of $750 and 90 days in jail. Offenses include certain unlawful transactions in weapons, resisting arrest, and illegal dispensing of drug samples offenses.
First-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum fine of $1,000 and 180 days in jail. Offenses include certain theft crimes, endangering children, misuse of credit cards, and unauthorized use of a vehicle offenses.
Ohio Resources For Misdemeanor Charges
Franklin County Municipal Court —You can find answers to frequently asked questions, pay tickets or fines, and learn more about court rules and organization on this website. The website also has downloadable civil forms, case search engines, information about several kinds of courts, and parking information.
Franklin County Municipal Court
375 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-8214
City of Columbus Police Department – When an individual has been arrested in Columbus, they will be taken to a booking unit with the Columbus Police Department, where they will be processed for their criminal charges. This site also provides information on crime prevention initiatives, frequently used telephone numbers, and other information about the police department. If you are looking for records, including arrest, warrant, criminal, or other public records, the police department can help you find a report. The Columbus Police Department is located at:
Columbus Division of Police
120 Marconi Blvd.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (612) 645-4760
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office – Guided by Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responds to the Columbus community’s safety needs, preserves peace, and protects the personal liberties of those living in Franklin County. Additionally, this site provides information on county jails, how to search for an inmate, and miscellaneous information on the sheriff’s department. The Sheriff’s Department is located at:
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
373 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Find A Lawyer For Misdemeanor Offenses In Columbus, Ohio
Were you arrested for a misdemeanor offense in Franklin County or the city of Columbus, Ohio? Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm is ready to help you build the best defense for your case. Brian Joslyn and his team of criminal defense attorneys fight to get misdemeanor criminal charges dismissed for clients all over Ohio. Call (513) 399-6289 or submit an online form today to have an experienced criminal defense attorney in Columbus provide a thorough evaluation of your case during a free consultation.
