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New Albany Mayor’s Court

Traffic charges and most misdemeanor offenses involving the New Albany Police Department are usually filed in the city’s Mayor’s Court. While some people have a tendency to believe that mandatory appearances in this type of court are not as serious as matters heard in a county municipal court, these matters must be taken seriously.

The magistrate who oversees cases in the Mayor’s Court has the authority to impose sentences that may include probation, fines, or jail time for alleged offenders who plead guilty or are convicted of the charges they face. It is important for any person preparing for one of these court hearings to understand how these proceedings work and what their rights are.

New Albany Mayor’s Court Lawyer

Have you been charged with some type of traffic or misdemeanor offense in New Albany that will now require your appearance at a Mayor’s Court hearing? Make sure that you give yourself the best shot at favorably resolving your case by working with experienced legal counsel.

New Albany Mayor’s Court attorney Brian Joslyn of Joslyn Law Firm fights for clients all over Licking County and Franklin County. He will provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (614) 444-1900 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Personnel of New Albany Mayor’s Court

Mayor’s Court sessions in New Albany are held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in the City Council chambers at the following location:

Depending on the date, presiding official is either the mayor or a magistrate who has been appointed by the mayor. The court’s staff includes:

• Mayor — Nancy Ferguson
• Magistrate — Sean Maxfield
• Prosecutor — Martin C. Nobile
• Clerk of Court — Penny Winters

Your Rights in New Albany Mayor’s Court

When an alleged offender appears in the Mayor’s Court, he or she will have the choice of entering one of the three following pleas:

• Guilty — This plea is a complete admission of the person’s guilt and it is followed by a short sentencing hearing at which time the alleged offender can explain any extenuating circumstances he or she believes should be considered before the sentence is imposed.
• No Contest — This plea means the person does not contest the facts in the ticket or complaint, but he or she also does not admit that those facts are a violation of the law. If the court determines that the facts in the ticket or complaint constitute a violation of the law, then the alleged offender will be found guilty and his or her case moves forward with sentencing.
• Not Guilty — This is the pleas a person enters when he or she does not admit guilt and challenges the facts alleged in the complaint or ticket. Following this plea, the court will set a date for trial.

Because the Mayor’s Court is not a court of record, alleged offenders do not get a trial by jury in these settings. While a prosecutor will still have to prove an alleged offender’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a trial in the Mayor’s Court is decided by the mayor or a magistrate appointed by the mayor.

It is important to note that people still retain the right to a jury trial as well as other important rights, including:

• The right to know the nature of the charge filed against the alleged offender;
• The right to know the identity of the person who filed the charge;
• The right to know the possible punishments associated with the charge ;
• The right to a copy of the complaint ;
• The right to have the complaint read in open court;
• The right to be represented by a lawyer ;
• The right to remain silent about the charges; and
• The right to file an appeal if the alleged offender is dissatisfied with his or her case in any way.

When Cases Can Be Transferred Out of New Albany Mayor’s Court

A person can request a transfer of his or her case to the Franklin County Municipal Court or to the Licking County Municipal Court if he or she wishes to exercise his or her right to a jury trial. In order to do this, the alleged offender must provide a written request for such transfer to the Clerk of the Court. A person can request to have his or her case transferred directly to one of the municipal courts before a Mayor’s Court hearing so long as his or her case is not a minor misdemeanor.

Cases will also be transferred to the Licking County Municipal Court or the Franklin County Municipal Court if the alleged offender files an appeal at the conclusion of his or her case. All appeals need to be filed within 10 days of the Court’s final decision.

Transfers are very valuable rights for alleged offenders, but these rights should be exercised wisely. It is highly recommended that an alleged offender discuss the possible benefits and consequences of any transfer with a knowledgeable attorney.

New Albany Mayor’s Court Penalties

Under Codified Ordinances of New Albany § 501.99, an alleged offender may be subject to the following penalties if he or she is convicted of or pleads guilty to a misdemeanor offense:

• Minor Misdemeanor — Restitution to the alleged victim of the alleged offender’s crime or any survivor of the alleged victim and fine of not more than $150;
• Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor — Jail term of not more than 30 days, restitution to the alleged victim of the alleged offender’s crime or any survivor of the alleged victim, and fine of not more than $250;
• Third-Degree Misdemeanor — Jail term of not more than 60 days, restitution to the alleged victim of the alleged offender’s crime or any survivor of the alleged victim, and fine of not more than $500;
• Second-Degree Misdemeanor — Jail term of not more than 90 days, restitution to the alleged victim of the alleged offender’s crime or any survivor of the alleged victim, and fine of not more than $750; and
• First-Degree Misdemeanor — Jail term of not more than 180 days, restitution to the alleged victim of the alleged offender’s crime or any survivor of the alleged victim, and fine of not more than $1,000.

Find the Best Mayor’s Court Lawyer in New Albany

If you are preparing to make an appearance in the Mayor’s Court in New Albany, Ohio, make sure that you have legal representation. Joslyn Law Firm fights to achieve outcomes that result in the fewest possible penalties for clients.

New Albany Mayor’s Court attorney Brian Joslyn is recognized as one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ohio by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys and one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the country by the National Trial Lawyers. He can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your own case when you call (614) 444-1900 today for a free consultation.