Muskingum County
Muskingum County is a county located in the State of Ohio. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Muskingum County has an estimated population of 86,410. Although the county has a relatively small population, crimes happen daily, and law enforcement officers are constantly arresting individuals.
If you or someone you love are facing accusations of a crime, you deserve skilled legal representation. The formidable Muskingum County criminal defense attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm carry years of combined experience in criminal law and can address your most pressing concerns. Our impressive experience in all of Muskingum County courts leaves us well-suited to help you obtain the best outcome possible for your case.
We proudly serve all of Central Ohio, including all of the following cities surrounding Muskingum County:
- Adamsville
- Zanesville
- Dresden
- Duncan Falls
- New Concord
- Philo
- Pleasant Grove
- North Zanesville
- Norwich
- Blue Rock
- Nashport
- Dover
- Gahanna
Muskingum County Criminal Defense Attorney | Zanesville, OH
If you have been charged with domestic violence, violent crime, property crime, sex crime, or OVI, it is important to seek the legal counsel of a practiced criminal defense attorney in Zanesville, OH. Brian D. Joslyn is the principal attorney at Joslyn Law Firm and is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals in Ohio. He can help you discreetly fight your charges and do whatever it takes to have your name cleared.
Joslyn Law Firm accepts cases in Muskingum County, OH, and surrounding counties including Licking, Perry, Morgan, Noble, Guernsey, and Coshocton. While you may feel overwhelmed, it is vital to not go unrepresented. Call (614) 444-1900 to secure a confidential consultation with Mr. Joslyn and his legal team at Joslyn Law Firm.
Information Center
- Common Criminal Charges in Muskingum County, OH
- Traffic Offenses in Muskingum County, OH
- Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Muskingum County
- Muskingum County Law Enforcement Resources
- Muskingum County Court Resources
Common Criminal Charges in Muskingum County, OH
The most common offenses that are handled in the Muskingum County Municipal Court include:
- Disturbing a lawful meeting
- Failing to control an animal
- Discharging a weapon within city limits
- Operating charity raffles or bingo games in violation of existing regulations
- Making a false alarm or report
- Obstructing official business or obstructing justice
- Creating noxious and offensive odors
- Failing to aid a law enforcement officer
- Violating a noise ordinance
- Creating weed and landscape nuisances
- Hunting animals within city limits
- Abandoning an animal
- Failing to report a crime, injury, or knowledge of a death
- Gambling, public gaming, cheating, and violating other gaming ordinances
Muskingum County is also responsible for addressing misdemeanors, which come in several forms such as:
- Minor misdemeanors
- Fourth-degree misdemeanors
- Third-degree misdemeanors
- Second-degree misdemeanors
- First-degree misdemeanors
Although minor misdemeanors are the least significant in terms of penalty, they should be taken as seriously as first-degree misdemeanors. Some of the most common first-degree misdemeanors include:
- Assault and battery– Assault and battery charges can result from situations that resulted in harm to another person.
- Domestic violence– Domestic violence refers to committing physical abuse or sexual abuse against a member of one’s family or household, or against a significant other.
- Criminal trespass– An individual commits criminal trespass if he or she refers enters a property or remains on a property without having the necessary permission.
- Marijuana charges– Some of the most common marijuana charges include trafficking, possession, and delivery of marijuana.
- Possession of a controlled substance– Illegal possession of a controlled substance occurs whenever an individual possesses a drug or other controlled substance such as marijuana, narcotics, or prescription medication.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia or drug abuse instruments– It is illegal for an individual to possess equipment, products, or materials of any kind that were designed with the intention of drug use in mind.
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor– Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor occurs when someone who is 18 or older has consensual sex with a person who isn’t old enough to consent.
- Resisting arrest– Resisting arrest is a serious offense in Ohio. The crime is committed when someone engages in the resistance or avoidance of being arrested or interferes with someone else’s arrest.
Traffic Offenses in Muskingum County, OH
Although a traffic citation may seem minor, it can result in serious penalties such as driver’s license suspension, jail sentences, and fines. Some of the most common criminal traffic offenses in Ohio include, but are not limited to the following:
- Following too closely
- Driving with headphones
- Obstructing an intersection
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
- Crossing a divided highway
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
- Crossing a yellow line
- Making illegal turns
- Violating a one-way traffic directive
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Passing improperly
- Violating an equipment ordinance (headlights, taillights, license plate lights, etc.)
- Driving with an obstructed view
- Violating a registration, tag, sticker, or title ordinance
- Drag racing
- Speeding
Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Muskingum County
If you have been arrested for a crime in Muskingum County, you could face several years of imprisonment and steep fines. It’s important to remember however that not all convictions are equal. Penalties for a crime can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Although misdemeanors are less serious and carry lighter penalties, having a skilled criminal defense team on your side can make all the difference.
The maximum sentences that can be imposed for each level of a misdemeanor include:
- First-Degree Misdemeanor– Punishable by up to $1000 in fines and up to six months in jail.
- Second-Degree Misdemeanor– Punishable by up to $750 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
- Third-Degree Misdemeanor– Punishable by up to $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail.
- Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to $250 in fines and a sentence of up to 30 days in jail.
- Minor Misdemeanor– Punishable by up to $150 in fines and no risk of jail time
If you’re facing a felony charge, penalties are enhanced and unfortunately, remain grievous. The following sentencing guidelines apply:
- First-Degree Felony – Up to $20,000 in fines and three to 11 years of imprisonment
- Second-Degree Felony – Up to $15,000 in fines and two to eight years of imprisonment
- Third-Degree Felony – Up to $10,000 in fines and nine to 60 months of imprisonment
- Fourth-Degree Felony – Up to $5,000 in fines and nine to 18 months of imprisonment
- Fifth-Degree Felony – Fines up to $2,500 and six to 12 months of imprisonment
Juvenile Convictions
Sentences for juveniles tend to be less harsh than adult sentences. If convicted, a juvenile can face several consequences such as the following:
- A juvenile can be placed under house arrest.
- A juvenile can be sentenced to community service.
- A juvenile can be placed in community control.
- A juvenile can be required to receive counseling, treatment, and/or monitoring for drug and alcohol dependence.
- A juvenile can have his or her driver’s license suspended.
- A juvenile can be required to wait longer to obtain a driver’s license.
- A juvenile can face a curfew.
- A juvenile can face mandatory attendance at school.
Muskingum County Law Enforcement Resources
Muskingum County Sheriff – Click the link to visit the official website for Muskingum County. Matt Lutz serves as the current sheriff and works to deliver safety to all members of the community.
Matt Lutz; Sheriff1840 East PikeZanesville, OH 43701
(740) 452-3637
Muskingum County Police Department – Access the official website for the Muskingum Police Department which is located in Zanesville, OH. The department currently has 56 police officers and 43 support personnel.
332 South StreetZanesville, OH 43701740-455-0700
Muskingum County Court Resources
Muskingum County Common Pleas Clerk of Courts – – Wendy Sowers serves as the current clerk for the Muskingum County Common Pleas Clerk of the Courts. Click the website to conduct an online search for records and view frequently asked questions.
Wendy Sowers; Clerk401 Main StreetZanesville, Ohio 43701
(740) 455-7104
Muskingum County Juvenile Court – Eric D. Martin is the current judge for the Muskingum County juvenile court. Access their official website to read what type of cases the court addresses.
1860 East PikeZanesville, Ohio(740) 453-0351
Muskingum County Municipal Court – Follow the link provided to visit the official website for the Muskingum County Municipal Court. The page lists members of the administrative staff, probation staff, and important contact information.
Crystal M. Brokaw; Clerk of Court27 North 5th StreetZanesville, OH 43701
(740) 455-7138
Muskingum County Courthouse – The Muskingum County Courthouse is located in the county seat of Zanesville. Follow the link provided to visit their official website.
27 N 5th St #301Zanesville, OH 43701(740) 455-7138
Muskingum County, OH Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested for a crime in Muskingum County, it is important to act quickly to fight the charges. Whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, retaining the legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Ohio is imperative. At Joslyn Law Firm, our attorneys understand the stress you are feeling from your criminal charge. We have successfully handled over 15,000 cases and can work hard to protect your reputation.
Joslyn Law Firm serves clients in Muskingum County, OH, and surrounding cities including Zanesville, Cambridge, Coshocton, Newark, Pataskala, Marietta, Dover, Athens, Gahanna, Mount Vernon, Lancaster, and Dover. Call (614) 444-1900 to secure a confidential consultation today.
