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Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court

The Mayor’s Court of Upper Arlington handles several different kinds of criminal misdemeanor and traffic offenses that involve the Upper Arlington Police Division. These types of cases may include, but are not limited to, operating vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI), speeding, and reckless driving.

Many proceedings in the Mayor’s Court do not work the same as they do in the Franklin County Municipal Court, as this is not a court of record and cases are heard by a single magistrate rather than a judge and jury. However, many penalties are still quite severe and several of the same defenses that would result in charges being thrown out in the municipal court can still be effective in the Mayor’s Court.

Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court Lawyer

Were you ticketed for a traffic violation or arrested for an alleged misdemeanor offense in Upper Arlington, Ohio? You should strongly consider having skilled legal representation who can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome to your particular case.

Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court attorney Brian Joslyn understands what weaknesses or flaws to look for in a prosecutor’s case and how to use any errors by police to get charges reduced or dismissed. You can have Joslyn Law Firm provide a complete evaluation of your case by calling (614) 444-1900 right now to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court Personnel

The Mayor’s Court in Upper Arlington convenes every Thursday at noon at the following location:

The court personnel is comprised of the following people:

• Administrator — Mayor Donald B. Leach, Jr.
• Magistrate — Steven B. Hayes
• Magistrate — S. Michael Miller
• Magistrate — Michael L. Close
• City Attorney — Jeanine Hummer (614) 583-5020
• First Assistant City Attorney — Tom Lindsey (614) 583-5023
• Program Coordinator / Criminal Justice Administrator — Joseph Roush (614) 583-5022
• Clerk of Court — Melissa Kohler (614) 583-5062
• Deputy Clerk of Court — Brea Frey (614) 583-5061

Court Appearance Procedures in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court

When the Mayor’s Court convenes at Noon, the magistrate will preside over sentencing of arraignments, pre-trials, probation revocation hearings, and financial hearings. Trials and motion hearings are scheduled for 1 p.m., but usually begin once the court has completed the arraignment docket.

The purpose of arraignments is for alleged offenders to know the charges that been filed against them and who has filed the charges. An alleged offender will be able to review the complaint filed against him or her during the arraignment and be informed of his or her rights.

When the alleged offender’s name is called by the Clerk of Court, he or she will enter one of the following pleas:

• Guilty – The alleged offender admits his or her guilt.
• No Contest – The alleged offender does not admit guilt, but admits the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint or ticket. This admission cannot be used against the alleged offender in any subsequent civil or criminal proceedings.
• Not Guilty – The alleged offender does not admit guilt and contests the facts alleged in the complaint or ticket.

If the alleged offender pleads guilty or no contest, then the case moves forward with sentencing. If he or she pleads not guilty, then the case will be set for trial.

Transfers in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court

One of the basic rights every alleged offender has is the right to have a jury trial or court trial in the Franklin County Municipal Court. The Mayor’s Court is not a court of record, so there is no court reporter recording the proceedings and trials are decided by a single magistrate rather than a jury of citizens.

Alleged offenders should carefully consider any requests to transfer their cases to the municipal court. In certain situations with unique circumstances, it may be better to have one’s charges heard in the Mayor’s Court. Even if you are found guilty in this Upper Arlington court, you will have the right to appeal the decision to the Franklin County Municipal Court.

Appeals of Mayor’s Court decisions have to be filed within 10 days from the date of the conviction. You should have a lawyer familiar with both courts evaluate whether it is truly in your best interest to seek a transfer.

Potential Penalties in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court

Alleged offenders who plead guilty or are convicted in the Mayor’s Court can be subject to any of the following maximum statutory sanctions under Upper Arlington Ordinance § 501.09, depending on the specific classification of the offenses they have been charged with:

• Minor Misdemeanor — Restitution and maximum fine of $150;
• Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum term of imprisonment of 30 days, restitution, and maximum fine of $250 ;
• Third-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum term of imprisonment of 60 days, restitution, and maximum fine of $500 ;
• Second-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum term of imprisonment of 90 days, restitution, and maximum fine of $750 ; or
• First-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum term of imprisonment of 180 days, restitution, and maximum fine of $1,000.

In addition to the fines listed above, the Mayor’s Court can also charge certain fees. These court costs begin at $80 for traffic and $70 for criminal with following required fees:

• Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court Costs — $25;
• State of Ohio Costs — $39 for traffic offenses, $29 for criminal offenses; and
• Computer Funds — $6.

Additionally, court costs may also include any of the following fees:

• Special Project Fund — $10;
• Continuances — $5;
• Pre-Trials/Miscellaneous Hearing — $5;
• Trial Fee — $10;
• Fail to appear notice/Late Fee — $20;
• Subpoena/Precipe — $10;
• Witness fee (per civilian) — $6;
• Summons — $15;
• Warrant — $40;
• Bad check or return payment charge — $30;
• Criminal Diversion Program — $100;
• Enforcement date of fine — $15;
• Time payment program — $20;
• Jury Demand — $15;
• Appeal — $15;
• Probation — $50;
• PNC Probation — $25;
• Change in limited driving privileges — $10;
• Traffic Diversion — $225;
• Bond Surcharge — $25; and
• Immobilizing/Disabling Device Required — $5.

Fees for interpreting services are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Find the Best Mayor’s Court Lawyer in Upper Arlington

If you were cited or arrested in Upper Arlington and have an upcoming appearance in the Mayor’s Court, you should seek legal counsel for help in achieving the most favorable outcome to your case. Joslyn Law Firm aggressively defends clients throughout Franklin County and surrounding areas.

Award-winning Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court attorney Brian Joslyn handles all types of criminal charges, and he is certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as an instructor in the administration of standardized field sobriety tests as well as in the operation, diagnostic, verification, and calibration of the BAC DataMaster breath alcohol testing instruments. Let him review your case during a free consultation by calling (614) 444-1900 today.