Criminal Defense Lawyers in Madison County’s Juvenile Court, Municipal Court, and Common Pleas Court
Whether you find yourself – or your child – facing a traffic citation, a city ordinance violation, a misdemeanor, or a felony, it’s a serious matter, and you need experienced legal counsel in your corner. It’s important to recognize that the criminal justice system is not on your side; in fact, it’s rigged against you. The potential consequences of a conviction, including steep fines and penalties in addition to the social implications, make leaving your case to chance far too risky. Without the professional legal counsel of a dedicated criminal defense attorney, you’re far more likely to incriminate yourself by handing the prosecution information that they turn around and use against you.
At Joslyn Law Firm, we appreciate your predicament, and we commit the full force of our experience, legal acumen, and resources to successfully protecting the rights of clients like you – in support of favorable case resolutions. Regardless of whether your case lands in the Madison County Municipal Court, the Madison County Juvenile Court, or the Madison County Common Pleas Court, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys have intimate working knowledge in each of these courthouses and are well prepared to apply that knowledge to your case.
A conviction following any one of these can lead to substantial consequences that could play a pivotal role in your future. Ensuring your best defense means working closely with an experienced criminal defense attorney who is well acquainted with the Madison County criminal justice and court system. This includes knowing the court’s culture, judges, personnel, staff, customs, rules, regulations, and more. When you enter a court system, you enter a small world unto itself, and knowing what makes it tick is critical – but this is difficult to accomplish without the legal advocacy of a skilled criminal defense attorney with considerable experience in that very court system.
At Joslyn Law Firm, we’re proud of the close working relationships we’ve forged throughout the Madison County court system and are well positioned to help you obtain a legal resolution that supports you and your future – whether this means having your charges dismissed, prevailing in court with a not-guilty verdict, or minimizing the penalties you face.
Madison County Criminal Defense Attorneys
Defense attorney Brian Joslyn understands how traumatic and stressful an arrest can be for a person. More importantly, he understands the serious implications of a potential conviction. Joslyn Law Firm, founded by Brian Joslyn, remains dedicated to helping clients fight for their futures. This may mean pursuing a variety of defense strategies to help achieve dismissed charges or minimized penalties. The Joslyn Law Firm has award-winning criminal defense attorneys ready to strategize your best defense.
We dedicate our practice to aggressively defending the rights of men, women, and youths charged with criminal offenses in Madison County and throughout Central Ohio, including both misdemeanors and felonies in the following practice areas:
· Domestic Violence Crime in Madison County
· Theft Crimes
· Criminal Record Sealing in Madison
· Madison County Civil Protection Order
Our impressive legal team’s commitment to supporting the rights of our clients and to successfully guiding them through the Madison County court system is unmatched, and our track record of notable victories throughout multiple jurisdictions backs up this claim. We tackle every case we take on with the same level of dedication to justice, and we’re committed to helping you successfully move past your charges. Our goals include helping you better understand the charge you face and its potential resolutions, building your most comprehensive defense, and helping you avoid the weight of a criminal conviction on your record (via every legal means available) if at all possible.
We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to call Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 to discuss your situation with Brian Joslyn today. Your initial consultation is free, and you’ll be under no obligation to hire an attorney, but doing so can provide you with the vital information and critical legal insight you need to obtain your most favorable case resolution.
Madison County Criminal Courts Information Center
- Madison County: General Information and Overview
- Madison County: Common Criminal Charges
- Madison County: Penalties for Criminal Convictions
- Madison County: Warrants
- Madison County: Hiring Your Criminal Defense Attorney
- Madison County: Criminal Defense Q&As
- Madison County and the City of London: Law Enforcement
- Madison County: Resources
- Madison County: In the News
- Madison County: Court Locations and Contact Information
Wherever you fall on the spectrum of criminal charges, this information provides a solid starting point that can help you better understand your next best steps. If you or your child is facing a criminal charge of any kind, it’s in the best interest of your case and your future to reach out to an experienced Madison County criminal defense attorney today.
1) Madison County: General Information and Overview
Madison County is named for the fourth President of the United States and is located between Springfield and Columbus in Central Ohio. The area’s principal focus is agriculture, which accounts for 88 percent of the land. Madison County is home to one of the largest farm exhibitions in the world, Farm Science Review hosted by Ohio State University. Madison County also boasts its share of beautiful outdoor destinations and activities, including:
● Madison Lake State Park
● Miles of Rails to Trails
● Big Darby Creek
● The Jonathan Alder Cabin
● The nationally historic Red Brick Tavern
The U.S. Census estimate for Madison County’s 2019 population is 44,731, and the county seat is London.
London avoids many of the hassles of more populated cities, but this does not mean that crime is unknown here. Its crime rate statistics include:
● London’s crime index is 21, which means that it is safer than 21 percent of the cities in the United States.
● London’s crime rate for violent crimes is 1.95 per 1,000 residents.
● London’s crime rate for property crimes is 23.27 per 1,000 residents.
● For comparison purposes, an individual’s risk of being victimized in a violent crime is 1 in 514 in London, but this same risk measurement for the State of Ohio overall is 1 in 357.
● Relative to other communities of similar size across the nation, London stands out for its substantially higher crime rate (for violent and property crimes combined).
When criminal charges are levied in Madison County, they are brought – in accordance with the charge – in one of the following court systems:
● If the person charged is a juvenile (who is being charged as a juvenile and not as an adult), the Madison County Juvenile Court takes the case.
● If the charge is a traffic citation, an ordinance violation, or a misdemeanor, the Madison County Municipal Court takes the case.
● If the charge is a felony, the Madison County Common Pleas Court takes the case.
Whatever kind of charge you (or your child) face, moving through the court system with an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the ropes in this very system is critical. When your Madison County criminal defense attorney has extensive experience under his or her belt in this exact legal space, it can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
2) Madison County: Common Criminal Charges
Ohio has highly specific laws on the books that guide the prosecution of crimes throughout the state, and Madison County adds some legal tweaks of its own. All told, a conviction of any criminal charge can adversely affect your future. Let’s do a deeper dive into the charges that are most commonly associated with each court system.
Madison County Municipal Court
If you have been charged with an ordinance violation, a traffic citation, or a misdemeanor, your case will proceed through the Madison County Municipal Court, which typically presides over cases like the following:
● failure to aid a law enforcement officer
● Failure to report knowledge of a death, a crime, or a serious injury
● Failure to control an animal
● Abandonment of an animal
● The hunting of animals within city limits
● The making of a false report or alarm
● Discharge of a weapon within city limits
● Violation of a noise ordinance
● The obstruction of official business or other forms of obstruction of justice
● Disturbance of a lawful meeting
● Creation of noxious and offensive odors
● Creation of a landscape and/or weed nuisance
● Engagement in gambling, public gaming, cheating, and/or other violations of gaming ordinances
● Operation of a charity raffle or bingo game that is in violation of existing regulations
While these are relatively minor in the scheme of criminal charges, this doesn’t mean that a conviction won’t reverberate negatively into your future and won’t leave you facing significant fines, penalties, and social consequences.
Traffic Offenses
Because traffic offenses dominate the Madison County Municipal Court’s Docket, it’s important to take a closer look. These charges commonly include:
● Violating a registration, tag, sticker and/or title ordinance
● Not yielding the right-of-way
● Not yielding to pedestrians
● Not stopping at a stop sign, red light, or other traffic signal
● Driving at an unsafe speed – by either exceeding the speed limit (under ideal conditions) or driving too fast given the road’s condition
● Following too closely
● Driving the wrong way on a one-way road
● Making a turn illegally
● Passing illegally
● Driving with headphones on
● Driving when one’s view is obstructed
● Obstructing an intersection
● Crossing a divided highway
● Crossing a yellow line
● Passing a stopped school bus
● Drag racing
While you may think it’s just a traffic ticket, it’s important to carefully consider the implications before you decide to bite the bullet and simply accept the consequences. Discuss the matter with an experienced criminal defense attorney before you take matters into your own hands. Further, some traffic offenses heard at the Madison County Municipal Court can reach the more serious level of misdemeanor, including:
● Reckless Driving and Reckless Operation of a Vehicle
● Texting
● Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Violations
DUI: Driving under the Influence
DU (driving under the influence) and OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) are common charges that can lead to very serious consequences and deserve a bit of special attention. A conviction on either charge can lead to not only steep fines and the possibility of spending time behind bars (or to probation) but to license suspension and to serious social repercussions (predicated on the public status of these records) that often include:
● The loss of professional licensure
● The inability to rent a house or apartment
● The inability to obtain federal student loans or to live on campus (thus hindering your education goals)
● Diminished employment opportunities
Finally, if yours is an aggravated charge, it is likely a felony charge that will proceed to the Court of Common Pleas (if it successfully moves through the grand jury process).
Misdemeanor Charges
The Madison County Municipal Court also tries misdemeanor cases, which are divided into the following levels of offense (from most serious to least):
● First-degree misdemeanors
● Second-degree misdemeanors
● Third-degree misdemeanors
● Fourth-degree misdemeanors
● Minor misdemeanors
Even the charge of a minor misdemeanor is anything but a minor matter and can lead to a criminal record. Bringing your most robust defense is always well advised.
First-Degree Misdemeanor Charges
First-degree misdemeanor charges are naturally quite serious, and some of the most common seen at the Madison County Municipal Court include:
● Marijuana Charges – Marijuana charges refer to possessing an amount of marijuana that surpasses a legal threshold. If you have a prior conviction and/or your charge relates to an incident that happened within a specific distance of a school, you can find yourself facing even more serious charges.
● Possession of a Controlled Substance – The charge of possession of a controlled substance refers to possessing illegal drugs (other than marijuana) that can include prescription medications belonging to someone else and/or to narcotics.
● Possession of Drug Paraphernalia or Drug Abuse Instruments – The charge of possession of drug paraphernalia or drug abuse instruments refers to possessing the tools and instruments that are closely intertwined with illegal drug use. These charges are often in addition to possession charges, which means they exacerbate the seriousness of your legal dilemma.
● Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor – Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor refers to having sex with someone who, although he or she consented, has not yet reached the age of consent (this is commonly referred to as statutory rape). While most sexually based offenses are classified as felonies, the charge of unlawful sexual contact with a minor generally remains a misdemeanor.
● Assault and Battery – Assault and battery refers to making a credible threat to harm someone else through the act of harmful contact and/or to actually harming someone else through the act of harmful contact.
● Domestic Violence – Domestic violence refers to committing assault and battery (or something similar) against a family member, a member of one’s household, or against a spouse or significant other (current or former).
● Disorderly Conduct – Disorderly conduct refers to actively inconveniencing, alarming, or otherwise offending the public.
● Criminal Mischief – Criminal mischief refers to performing such criminal acts as deploying smoke bombs or tear gas, infiltrating the online domain of another, and more.
● Criminal Trespass – Criminal trespass refers to entering or remaining on a property without permission. If you don’t face any additional allegations in relation to the trespassing, you might face the lesser charge of burglary.
● Resisting Arrest – Resisting arrest refers to actively resisting or avoiding your own arrest or to interfering in someone else’s arrest.
Madison County Juvenile Court
Minors are generally tried as juveniles in the Madison County Juvenile Court, and the most common charges include:
● Habitual truancy
● Vandalism
● Disorderly conduct
● Underage alcohol consumption and/or possession
● Possession of and/or use of a fake ID
● Underage operation of a vehicle while impaired (OVI)
● Operation of a vehicle without a driver’s license
● Possession, distribution, sale, or cultivation of drugs
● Sexting
● Gross sexual imposition
● Rape and sexual assault
● Theft
● Assault
● Domestic Assault
● Probation violations
When the charges are considerably more serious, juveniles are sometimes charged as adults in the Madison County Common Pleas Court. When tried as adults, juveniles face the same court procedures and potential consequences that adults do. Because your child has his or her entire future ahead, now is not the time to take a wait-and-see attitude – working with an experienced and compassionate criminal defense attorney from the outset is in the best interest of your child, his or her case, and his or her future.
Madison County Common Pleas Court
Before the prosecutor can bring a felony charge against you, it must go through the grand jury process, which determines if a felony charge will be forthcoming. If the charge proceeds, your case will be tried at the Madison County Common Pleas Court. If you are facing a felony charge, it’s time to seek the professional legal counsel you need. Common felony charges include:
Drug Charges – Drug charges refer to possessing illegal drugs, possessing illegal drugs with the intent to distribute, manufacturing illegal drugs, and/or trafficking illegal drugs.
Weapons and Gun Charges – Weapons and guns charges refer to possessing guns illegally and/or to using guns, firearms, and other weapons illegally. If this illegal possession or use is in conjunction with the commission of another crime, it can increase the seriousness of the charge.
Sex Crimes – Sex crimes refer to sexual assault (including rape), prostitution, child pornography, and other sexually based charges. Facing such a charge – even without a conviction – can lead to overarching negative consequences into your future.
Theft and Fraud Charges – Theft and fraud charges refer to theft of an amount that exceeds a specific legal threshold and/or to when someone else’s money is illegally obtained via fraudulent means. Robbery is one of the most serious theft charges because it includes either actual violence or the threat of violence.
Property Crimes – Property crimes refer to illegal acts that target someone else’s property, including burglary, vandalism or the destruction of property, arson, and robbery.
Financial Crimes – Financial crimes (often called white collar crimes) refer to illegal acts that defraud someone else for one’s own financial gain, and they can include forgery, bribery, embezzlement, and more.
If the charge you face is a felony, you should not delay calling Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900. We not only have a wealth of experience successfully defending the rights of clients like you in the Madison County Common Pleas Court but are also committed to aggressively advocating for your case’s most beneficial resolution.
3) Madison County: Penalties for Criminal Convictions
If you are ultimately convicted of the charge you face – whether it’s because you pled guilty (under your defense attorney’s guidance) or because you were convicted by a jury in court, it’s important to recognize that not all convictions are equal. When you have a savvy criminal defense attorney on your side, it can make the difference between facing a maximum sentence and facing a sentence that’s been tempered by a skillfully crafted defense strategy. The judge in your case has a good deal of discretion when it comes to sentencing you, and your dedicated defense attorney will ensure that you bring your strongest defense in advocacy of sentencing that minimizes the damages you face. While there are sentencing maximums, the judge – in his or her vast discretion – will take your complete defense into consideration when handing down your sentence.
The maximum sentences that can be imposed for each level of misdemeanor follow:
● Minor Misdemeanor – No risk of jail time but a fine of up to $150
● Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor – A fine of up to $250 and a sentence of up to 30 days in jail
● Third-Degree Misdemeanor – A fine of up to $500 and a sentence of up to 60 days in jail
● Second-Degree Misdemeanor – A fine of up to $750 and a sentence of up to 90 days in jail
● First-Degree Misdemeanor – A fine of up to $1000 and a sentence of up to six months in jail
Although they aren’t as serious as felony charges, misdemeanor chargers obviously pack some serious punch and should be afforded the professional legal counsel they deserve.
If you’re facing a felony charge, the situation is that much more serious, and the following sentencing guidelines apply:
● Fifth-Degree Felony – Fines of up to $2,500 and a prison sentence of from 6 to 12 months
● Fourth-Degree Felony – Fines of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of from 9 to 18 months
● Third-Degree Felony – Fines of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of from 9 to 60 months (with potential serious enhancements for repeat violent offenders)
● Second-Degree Felony – Fines of up to $15,000 and a prison sentence of from 2 to 8 years (with potential serious enhancements for repeat violent offenders)
● First-Degree Felony – Fines of up to $20,000 and a prison sentence of from 3 to 11 years (with potential serious enhancements for repeat violent offenders)
Juvenile Convictions
Juveniles usually face legal consequences that are specific to the juvenile court system and that tend to be less severe than those adults face (although a conviction can swiftly derail a juvenile’s future). Consider the following:
● Juveniles can be placed in the custody of the court or can be detained in care facilities for delinquent children.
● Juveniles can be placed under house arrest.
● Juveniles can be placed in community control, which is much like adult probation.
● Juveniles can be required to perform community service.
● Juveniles can be required to be monitored, counseled, or treated for drug and alcohol dependence.
● Juveniles can face curfews.
● Juveniles can have their driver’s licenses suspended or can face an extended waiting period to obtain a license in the first place.
● Juveniles can be required to attend school, and their attendance can be monitored.
If your child is charged as an adult, he or she will proceed through the legal system in the same way that an adult would and will face the same sentencing parameters.
Diversion Programs in Madison County
Diversion programs are intended to allow defendants to bypass a criminal record in certain situations. If you qualify, successful completion of the diversion program handed down in your case will replace a conviction and sentencing. The benefits of successfully completing a diversion program include:
● Sidestepping a conviction and sentence
● Sidestepping a criminal record
● Avoiding the social consequences of a criminal conviction
Generally, the following prerequisites are required in order to be eligible for a diversion program in Madison County:
● You consent to the admission of guilt regarding the charge (without actually pleading guilty).
● The conviction would have been your first (if convicted).
● The charge involved is for a nonviolent crime that isn’t sexually based.
A diversion program can be an immense boon to the individual to whom it’s offered, but this isn’t always the case. Never accept a diversion program offer without consulting with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who is well acquainted with your case and the Madison County criminal justice system. The best defense strategy is not necessarily the most straightforward, and proceeding in accordance with the exact circumstances involved in your case and with your legal priorities is key.
Juvenile defendants can also receive diversion programs via the Madison County Juvenile Court. Often this privilege is reserved for juvenile defendants who’ve suffered hardship, such as neglect or abuse or who suffer from alcohol and/or chemical dependency. Juveniles generally face the same prerequisites for diversion programs that adults do, and their programs, which usually require parental involvement, tend to focus on mental health counseling and treatment for chemical dependency
4) Madison County: Warrants
If a warrant has been issued for your arrest – or you think one might have been – it’s a serious situation that you should address immediately. Most warrants are issued in one of the following two ways:
● A police officer has probable cause to believe you committed a crime and petitions a judge for a corresponding arrest warrant, which can be used to arrest you at work, in your home, or during the course of a routine traffic stop.
● If you fail to show up for a scheduled appearance in court, the judge can issue a bench warrant, which can be implemented exactly as above.
If there is any question about whether there could be a warrant out there with your name on it, addressing the issue sooner rather than later is well advised. A skilled criminal defense attorney with extensive experience in the Madison County court system may be able to negotiate a warrant recall. And if this isn’t a possibility, he or she may advise turning yourself in under controlled circumstances that help mitigate negative consequences.
5) Madison County: Hiring Your Criminal Defense Attorney
If you find yourself or your child facing criminal charges in Madison County, it’s time to reach out to a formidable criminal defense attorney who knows his or her way around the Madison County court system. While this may feel like a tall order, keep the following in mind:
● When you work with a criminal defense attorney who has considerable experience working in the Madison County court system, you put yourself at a distinct advantage.
● Even if you are convinced that you are guilty as charged, keep this to yourself and allow your shrewd criminal defense attorney to make this determination – along with a determination about your next best steps. The truth is that criminal charges are often overblown, and having experienced legal counsel on your side will help ensure that you obtain the most favorable case resolution possible.
● While it’s only natural to be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney, you shouldn’t budget yourself out of your best path forward. The cost of a solid legal defense can quickly become a bargain and, when balanced against the cost of the potential fines and penalties you face, can save you money and hardship in the long run.
Without an astute criminal defense attorney on your side, you are far more vulnerable to a negative case outcome. Your experienced attorney brings many assets to the table, including the ability to hone your most effective defense, the ability to skillfully negotiate with the prosecution on behalf of your best interests, and the ability to help you better understand the strengths and challenges of your case – along with your best options.
A solid criminal defense attorney will carefully attend to all of the following (as applicable):
● Verifying that the prosecution has a credible case, including ensuring that all alleged evidence against you was obtained legally
● Investigating and compiling the evidence in your case, including inspecting the prosecution’s evidence for legitimacy and admissibility, scoping out exculpatory evidence (evidence that supports your innocence), and mining for extenuating circumstances that could affect the outcome of your case
● Ensuring that your constitutional rights are faithfully supported, and leveraging any breaches to your case’s advantage
● Skillfully negotiating with the prosecution for an optimal plea bargain
● Deftly and sincerely advocating for your case’s best possible outcome
Take the time-honored saying, you have the right to remain silent, to heart, and turn to a well-respected criminal defense attorney to speak on your behalf – in support of your rights and your case’s just resolution. If you are facing a criminal charge, it is the right time to exercise your right to remain silent and to turn to your experienced criminal defense attorney.
6) Madison County: Criminal Defense Q&As
In which courthouse will my case be held?
If the charge you face relates to a traffic infraction, an ordinance violation, or a misdemeanor, your case will very likely be tried in the Madison County Municipal Court. If the charge you face is a felony, it will be held in the Madison County Common Pleas Court (after the charge makes it through the grand jury at the Municipal Court). If the charge is made against your minor child, the case will be tried in the Madison County Juvenile Court.
Why is there a separate court for juveniles?
Because children are so young and vulnerable – and have little agency over the circumstances of their lives – the criminal justice system has a juvenile component, which focuses on rehabilitation rather than on punishment, such as detention (whenever possible). When the crime is especially egregious, a juvenile may be charged as an adult, and in this situation, his or her case will proceed exactly as an adult’s would.
Does my child really need an attorney?
In short, yes, your child really does need an attorney. Being branded with a criminal charge as a juvenile can be even more damaging than it is for an adult. For one thing, minors are more vulnerable to the social stigma attached. Plus, they have so much of their lives ahead of them that a setback like a criminal conviction can derail their hopes, dreams, and futures.
Will my child spend time in jail if convicted?
If your child is tried as a juvenile, the judge’s focus will be on rehabilitation rather than on detention. There is the possibility, however, that your child will be sentenced to time in a Department of Youth Services facility or in a detention center, and this is much like the juvenile equivalent of a jail sentence. If, on the other hand, your child is charged as an adult, his or her case will proceed exactly like an adult’s would and he or she will face the same sentencing requirements if convicted.
How do I find someone in the jail system?
If you believe someone you care about has been arrested in Madison County, you can find the information you need at the Tri-County Regional Jail website, which has an inmate lookup portal, a visitation schedule and visitation rules, information about sending money to inmates, and much more. An experienced criminal defense attorney, however, can likely find out more than you can and may be able to offer the legal services your loved one needs to help ensure that his or her rights aren’t lost to the system.
Is posting my relative’s bail the right decision?
If your family member or loved one is in jail, you may find yourself panicking about how quickly you’ll be able to bail him or her out, but talking to a skilled criminal defense attorney before doing so, is often preferable. The fact is that a savvy attorney may be able to reduce the amount of bail – or even to do away with the need for bail – at the bail hearing, which could give your relative a leg up when it comes to effecting his or her most resilient defense.
I think there might be a warrant out for my arrest. What should I do?
If you are aware of a warrant with your name on it or have an inkling that there might be one out there, don’t sit on the information and wait to be arrested in front of your family and friends at home or in front of coworkers on the job. Address the matter proactively with a reputable criminal defense attorney – who may be able to clear the warrant through the court. Barring this, however, your attorney will help ensure that you address the matter in the best way possible – in an attempt to mitigate negative consequences (instead of allowing the warrant to find you).
Is it a good idea to plead guilty to the charge I’m facing?
It’s never a good idea to plead guilty to any charge until after you’ve carefully discussed the matter with an experienced Madison County criminal defense attorney. Often charges are overblown to begin with, but even if you believe you are guilty as charged and are tempted to admit guilt, the important point to remember is that once you do so, you lose all your leverage in relation to any plea deals and/or to any sentencing negotiations. Again, the short answer is no, you shouldn’t plead guilty – consult with a dedicated Madison County criminal defense attorney instead.
7) Madison County and the City of London: Law Enforcement
If you or someone you care about is facing a criminal charge in Madison County, the following contact information is important to have:
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
P.O. Box 558 London,
Ohio 43140
John R. Swaney, Sheriff
Emergency: 911
Main Office: 740-852-1332
Tri-County Regional Jail: 937-834-5000
Law Enforcement/Communication Division
222 Garfield Ave.
London, Ohio 43140
740-852-1212
The local Sheriff’s Office is responsible for maintaining and rehabilitating inmates in Madison County jails and for supporting the local court houses by ensuring peace in the courtrooms. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office maintains both a K-9 and a special operations unit.
City of London Police Department
10 East First Street
London, Ohio 43140
Glenn A. Nicol, Chief
Emergency: 911
Office Phone: 740-852-1414
The men and women of the local police department are responsible for ensuring the community’s safety and are dedicated to carrying out this duty through vigilant law enforcement and public service initiatives aimed at community engagement.
8) Madison County: Resources
Madison County has multiple resources available for its citizens, including resources for those facing criminal charges, those experiencing personal difficulties, those interested in exploring the community further, and more. Consider the following:
● Madison County Clerk of Courts– This website provides a solid overview of the Madison County Common Pleas Court, including contact information, information about services, and more.
● Madison County Prosecutor’s Office – The Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for prosecuting both adult and juvenile cases throughout Madison County.
● Welcome to Madison County – This page tells you more about Madison County itself (where to go, what to do, background information, and more).
● Map of Madison County – For a bird’s eye view of Madison County, look no further than this page.
● Crime Rates for the City of London – Take a closer look at crime rates and statistics in London here.
● Madison County Law Library – Legal information at the local, state, and national level can be explored at the Madison County Law Library.
● Madison County Auditor – The auditor is both the fiscal officer and the tax assessor for Madison County.
● Madison County Child Support Enforcement Agency – If you have questions or concerns related to child support, this agency can be an important resource.
● Madison County Job and Family Services – If you have concerns or are experiencing issues related to childcare, healthcare, or employment services, this service agency is a good place to start.
● Madison County Chamber of Commerce – When it comes to promoting business growth and providing community services and programs, the Chamber of Commerce gets the job done.
● Mid-Ohio Psychological Services: Fairfield – This is the closest MOPS to Madison County, and it provides wide-ranging psychological services related to behavior management for the developmentally disabled, therapeutic mentors, psychological evaluations, and more.
● The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) – RAINN is a national organization that offers support and resources to those who’ve been victimized by sexual abuse.
9) Madison County: In the News
Noteworthy happenings in the new for Madison County include:
● More than 12 years ago, the wife and children of Peter Romans were killed in a blazing fire that engulfed their home in rural Madison County. It’s only now, however, that Peter Romans is facing charges in court.
● An Ohio man who pled guilty to third-degree rape and sodomy charges in 2017 in a case involving a 14-year-old Madison County child was recently indicted on federal child pornography charges.
● Madison County recently transitioned to red (the most serious level) on the State of Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System for COVID-19 cases. The county’s case rate is high, and the number of citizens seeking emergency care is increasing dramatically.
10) Madison County: Court Contact Information
If you’re facing a court date in Madison County, the following contact information can prove invaluable:
● Madison County Common Pleas Court/Juvenile Court Division
1 North Main St. Room 205
London, OH 43140
To learn more, visit their website or call the main office at 740-852-0760.
● Madison County Municipal Court
55 North Oak St.
London, OH 43140
To learn more, visit their website or call the main office at 740-852-1669.
The court’s key personnel include:
Judge Eric M. Schooley at 740-852-1669
Renae E Zabloudil, Clerk of Courts at 740-852-9776
● Madison County Common Pleas Court
1 N. Main Street
P.O. Box 527
London, Ohio 43140-0527
The Madison County Common Pleas Court hears criminal cases, civil cases of up to $15,000, small claims cases, and family law cases and is dedicated to the fair interpretation of the law. To learn more, visit their website or call the main office at 740-845-1780
The court’s key personnel include:
Judge Eamon Costello at 740-845-1780
Renae E Zabloudil, Clerk of Courts at 740-852-9776
The local prosecuting attorney – who is responsible for investigating and trying felony criminal cases and for trying tax foreclosure, juvenile, and domestic violence cases is the Madison County Prosecuting Attorney. This office also provides Victim Witness Advocate services.
Madison County Prosecuting Attorney
59 North Main Street
London, Ohio 43140
740-852-2259
We are committed to faithfully serving all the following incorporated communities in Madison County:
· London
· Midway
· Mount Sterling
· Plain City
· South Solon
· West Jefferson
This commitment also extends to all of the following unincorporated communities in Madison County:
· Amity
· Antioch
· Bethel
· Big Plain
· Burr Oaks Heights
· Chenoweth
· Choctaw Lake
· Chrisman
· Florence
· Gillivan
· Kiousville
· Lafayette
· Lilly Chapel
· Madison Lake
· McClimansville
· McKendree
· Newport
· Plumwood
· Range
· Resaca
· Rosedale
· Rupert
· Summerford
· Tradersville
Further, we’re proud to serve all of the following zip codes:
· 43029
· 43044
· 43064
· 43119
· 43140
· 43143
· 43146
· 43153
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Consult with an Experienced Madison County Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal charges can come in many forms – from traffic and ordinance violations through misdemeanors and on to felonies – but regardless of the charge you or your child faces, it’s a serious matter that requires professional legal counsel. The negative consequences of a conviction can permeate your life and your future in ways that are likely to surprise you, including prohibitive costs, serious penalties, and restrictive social consequences. The formidable criminal defense attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm understand the difficulties you face and are committed to adroitly employing their reserves of professional experience in the Madison County court system in their steadfast effort to champion your rights and your case’s most positive resolution.
Our founding attorney, Brian Joslyn, understands only too well – as the victim of police misconduct – that the law sometimes wrongly and/or excessively punishes the accused. His work as public defenders served to deepen his understanding that those charged with criminal offenses come from an array of backgrounds, and that each of these individuals deserves a robust defense. Brian aggressively advocates for every client, whether you are facing a class C misdemeanor or a first-degree felony offense charge.
Our impressive reputation throughout the Madison County court system, including the Juvenile Court, the Municipal Court, and the Common Pleas Court, speaks to our professional commitment to excellence in the field of criminal defense and to just case resolutions for clients like you. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Madison County, we’re on your side, so please don’t delay contacting or calling us at (614) 444-1900 to learn more about your legal options today.
