Union County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Committed Client Representation in Union County’s Juvenile Court, Municipal Court, and Common Pleas Court
If you or your child is facing a criminal charge of any kind (whether that means a traffic or city ordinance violation, a misdemeanor, or a felony), the consequences of a conviction are far too serious not to take the matter seriously from the outset. Having dedicated legal counsel on your side will help you better navigate a criminal justice system that, quite frankly, does not align with your best interests.
A conviction can include exorbitant fines and penalties, but it doesn’t stop there. If convicted, you are also likely to face social setbacks that can be even more difficult to surmount. Moving forward without the careful legal guidance of an accomplished criminal defense attorney makes it far more likely that you will inadvertently aid the prosecution by incriminating yourself rather than protecting your own rights and best interests. Do yourself and your case a favor by consulting with a practiced criminal defense attorney as soon after being charged as possible.
The skilled legal team at Joslyn Law Firm understands how difficult your situation is and is fully committed to skillfully employing its impressive experience in pursuit of your most favorable case resolution. Over many years of diligent and dedicated service to our clients, we have fostered close working relationships in the Marysville Municipal Court, The Union County Juvenile Court, and the Union County Common Pleas Court, along with in-depth knowledge of the courts’ unique intricacies. Regardless of the kind of charge you’re facing, our savvy criminal defense attorneys are well-positioned to help. We proudly serve all of Central Ohio, including all of the following cities and counties:
- Bexley
- Brice
- Columbus
- Delaware
- Dublin
- Franklin
- Gahanna
- Grandview Heights
- Grove City
- Groveport
- Harrisburg
- Hilliard
- Licking
- Lockbourne
- Marble Cliff
- Minerva Park
- New Albany
- Obetz
- Reynoldsburg
- Riverlea
- Upper Arlington
- Urbancrest
- Westerville
- Whitehall
- Worthington
Don’t put off consulting with one of the seasoned criminal defense attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm if you, your child, or another loved one is facing:
- A city ordinance violation
- A traffic citation
- An arrest warrant
- A misdemeanor charge
- A felony charge
A conviction can alter your future in ways you may not have even considered. While bringing your strongest defense is always well advised, doing so is a complicated task that requires a close working knowledge of the Union County criminal justice and court systems. Every court has its own processes and protocols, and even its own culture. When you work with Joslyn Law Firm, you know you’re working with dedicated legal professionals who have cultivated a strong presence in the Union County court system and are well acquainted with the judges, staff, rules, regulations, customs, overall culture, and more.
We’ve forged this working knowledge and these relationships over time, and we’re proud to offer our clients the fruits of our labors, including the ability to help you obtain your case’s most beneficial outcome. Depending upon the specifics of your case, it can end any one of the following resolutions:
- Having your charges dismissed outright
- Negotiating a beneficial plea bargain that minimizes the potential penalties you face
- Obtaining a not-guilty verdict in court
Aggressively advocating in support of your best interests is what we do at Joslyn Law Firm.
Union County Criminal Defense Attorneys
You have been charged with a crime, but you remain innocent until and unless the prosecution can prove you guilty. However, when you’re facing a criminal charge (of any kind), this fact may not provide you with much solace since the legal system certainly doesn’t treat you like you’re innocent. At Joslyn Law Firm, we understand your position only too well. In fact, Brian Joslyn, our firm’s founding partner and an award-winning criminal defense attorney in his own right, has been in your shoes. When Brian was a young man, he endured a traumatizing arrest involving police brutality (the charges for which were ultimately dropped) that drives his commitment to advocating for the rights of the accused ceaselessly.
At Joslyn Law Firm, we are all dedicated to zealously defending the rights of men, women, and youths facing criminal charges in Union County and throughout Central Ohio, including all of the following practice areas:
- Union County DUI
- Drug Crimes
- Marijuana Offenses
- Violations of Probation
- Domestic Violence Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Weapons Charges
- Theft Crimes
- Property Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Criminal Record Sealing
Our dedication to our clients is unparalleled and is backed up by our impressive track record of notable victories throughout Central Ohio. We address every case we accept with the same level of commitment and urgency and are always guided by the following goals:
- Ensuring that you understand the charges you face, including defense strategies and all potential case outcomes
- Crafting your most robust defense
- Helping you assiduously avoid a criminal conviction via every legal mechanism at our disposal
We’re in your corner, so please give Brian at Joslyn Law Firm a call at (614) 444-1900 to learn more about how we can help you today. There is no cost for your initial consultation, and you’re never under any obligation to retain our services. Having an insightful criminal defense attorney on your side, however, can make all the difference in your future.
We proudly serve all of the following incorporated communities in Union County:
- Dublin
- Magnetic Springs
- Marysville
- Milford Center
- Plain City
- Raymond
- Richwood
- Unionville Center
Our practice also extends to all of the following zip codes in Union County:
- 43007
- 43029
- 43036
- 43040
- 43041
- 43045
- 43067
- 43077
- 43344
Union County Criminal Courts Outline of Information
To better serve you, we’ve compiled the basic elements of the Union County criminal court system and have organized it according to the following outline:
- Union County: General Information and Overview
- Union County: Common Criminal Charges
- Union County: Penalties for Criminal Convictions
- Union County: Warrants
- Union County: Hiring the Right Criminal Defense Attorney for You
- Union County: Criminal Defense Q&A
- Union County: Law Enforcement
- Union County: Resources
- Union County: In the News
- Union County: Court Locations and Contact Information
Regardless of the kind of charge you face, this comprehensive guide affords you a solid starting point from which to determine your best path forward. The primary takeaway, however, is that if you or your child is facing a criminal charge of any kind, working closely with a resourceful Union County criminal defense attorney is paramount.
1) Union County: General Information and Overview
Union County comprises parts of four other counties, and that union is the inspiration behind the name Union County. Predominantly rural, Union County’s largest employment sector is manufacturing, followed by farming. In addition to being conveniently located near the bustling city of Columbus, Union County boasts many fine attractions and inviting events of its own, including:
- Historic covered bridges
- Wineries and breweries
- Miles and miles of beautiful hikes
- An inviting open road for motorcycle enthusiasts
- Fascinating historical sites, including stations from the Underground Railroad (Marysville was a hub for Underground Railroad activity)
According to the U.S. Census, Union County has an estimated population of 58,988 (as of July 2019). Crime rates for Marysville (Union County’s county seat) show that:
- Marysville is safer than 42 percent of U.S. cities (and less safe than 58 percent).
- Marysville experiences an average of 14 violent crimes each year.
- Marysville experiences an average of 352 property crimes each year.
In other words, crime can be an issue, and when criminal charges are brought, they move through one of the following court systems:
- A Charge against a juvenile (who is being tried as a juvenile) moves through the Union County Juvenile Court.
- Charges related to traffic or ordinance violations move through the Marysville Municipal Court.
- Felony charges move through the Union County Common Pleas Court.
Regardless of the court system responsible for hearing you or your child’s case, allowing a seasoned criminal defense attorney to guide your case is recommended. The dedicated attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm know their way around the Union County court system, which leaves them especially well-suited to help you.
2) Union County: Common Criminal Charges
The state of Ohio takes its criminal law and criminal charges extremely seriously, and Union County follows suit. Each branch of the Union County court system sees specific kinds of cases.
Union County Municipal Court
The Union County Municipal Court is responsible for handling charges that include traffic citations, ordinance violations, and misdemeanors, and it presides over all of the following charges:
- Failing to aid an officer of the law
- Failing to report knowledge of a death, crime, or serious injury
- Making a false report or alarm
- Discharging a weapon within city limits
- Violating a noise ordinance
- Failing to control an animal
- Abandoning an animal
- Hunting animals within city limits
- Obstructing official business or engaging in another form of obstruction of justice
- Disturbing a lawful meeting
- Creating noxious and offensive odors
- Creating a landscape or weed nuisance
- Engaging in gambling, public gaming, cheating, or other kinds of gaming ordinance violations
- Operating a charity raffle or bingo game that violates existing regulations
Relatively speaking, such charges are minor, but a conviction can still pack a financial and social punch that should be strenuously avoided.
Traffic Offenses
Traffic offenses take number one billing in the Union County Municipal Court and include all of the following charges:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way (to either another vehicle or to a pedestrian)
- Failing to stop at a stop sign, red light, or other traffic signals
- Failing to drive at a safe speed (driving in excess of the speed limit or too fast for the condition of the road)
- Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating)
- Driving the wrong direction on a one-way road
- Making an illegal turn
- Passing illegally
- Violating a registration, tag, sticker, or title ordinance
- Driving with headphones on
- Driving when one’s view is obstructed
- Obstructing an intersection
- Crossing a divided highway
- Crossing over a yellow line
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Drag racing
While it’s easy to regard such charges as mere traffic offenses, paying the ticket means accepting guilt and all attendant consequences. Before moving forward on your own, explore your best options with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. It’s also important to note that some traffic offenses are classified as misdemeanors (which means they carry even more consequential sentences), including:
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violation
- Hit and run
- Suspended license
- Reckless driving and reckless operation of a vehicle
- Texting violation
- Vehicular assault
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If you’re facing a DUI or OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) charge (both of which are common), it’s a very serious matter that deserves closer attention. The consequences of a conviction can include
- Steep fines
- Time behind bars (or probation)
- License suspension
In addition to these legal penalties, there are resounding social consequences:
- Difficulty renting a house or apartment
- Loss of professional licensure
- fewer employment opportunities
- Fewer education opportunities (including the procurement of federal student loans and the right to live on campus)
If the DUI or OVI charge is classified as aggravated, you’ll probably face a felony charge that will move through the grand jury process at the Union County Municipal Court and, if an indictment is obtained, will proceed on to the Union County Common Pleas Court.
Misdemeanor Charges
Other misdemeanor charges are also heard at the Union County Municipal Court, and they are divided into the following categories of seriousness (from most serious to least serious):
- First-degree misdemeanor charges
- Second-degree misdemeanor charges
- Third-degree misdemeanor charges
- Fourth-degree misdemeanor charges
- Minor misdemeanor charges
The term minor here is misleading. Every misdemeanor charge is a serious charge that should be taken seriously.
First-Degree Misdemeanor Charges
First-degree misdemeanor charges are the most serious of all and include all of the following:
- Assault and battery – Making a credible threat of or actually harming another via harmful contact is considered assault and battery.
- Criminal mischief – A charge of criminal mischief typically relates to criminal acts such as deploying smoke bombs or tear gas, illegally entering someone else’s online domain, and more.
- Criminal trespass – Criminal trespass charges relate to entering or remaining on someone else’s property without that person’s permission to do so.
- Disorderly conduct – The illegal act of alarming, inconveniencing, or otherwise offending the public is known as disorderly conduct.
- Domestic violence – Domestic violence amounts to assault and battery (or similar) of a family member, a current or former spouse or significant other, or a member of one’s household.
- Marijuana charges – Possession of an amount of marijuana that exceeds a set legal threshold can lead to marijuana charges. A prior conviction or a charge related to possession within a certain distance of a school can increase the seriousness of the charge.
- Possession of a controlled substance – Possession of a controlled substance relates to the possession of other kinds of illegal drugs, including narcotics or prescription medications that do not belong to the accused.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia or drug abuse instruments – Drug paraphernalia refers to those tools and instruments that are common to illegal drug use, and charges related to their possession are often brought in conjunction with possession charges, which means they can amplify the seriousness of the charge.
- Resisting arrest – To actively resist or avoid being arrested or to interfere with someone else’s arrest can lead to a charge of resisting arrest.
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor – Having sex with someone who consents but is not old enough to consent in the eyes of the law is referred to as unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (or statutory rape). This charge is one of the only sexually-based offenses that is typically charged as a misdemeanor (rather than as a felony).
Union County Juvenile Court
Generally, Union County tries minors as juveniles in the Union County Juvenile Court. The most common juvenile charges include:
- Assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Domestic assault
- Gross sexual imposition
- Habitual truancy
- Operation of a vehicle without a driver’s license
- Possession, distribution, sale, or cultivation of drugs
- Possession of or use of a fake ID
- Probation violations
- Rape and sexual assault
- Sexting
- Theft
- Underage alcohol consumption or possession
- Underage operation of a vehicle while impaired (OVI)
- Vandalism
Sometimes, in very serious situations, juveniles are tried as adults, and their cases proceed the same way that adult cases do. The consequences of a juvenile conviction or moving through the adult system are far too detrimental not to retain the professional legal counsel of an impressively experienced criminal defense attorney.
Union County Common Pleas Court
Before your felony charge proceeds to the Union County Common Pleas Court, the grand jury must indict you. If your charge advances beyond the grand jury, your case will be tried in the Union County Common Pleas Court. If you’re facing a felony charge, it’s no time to take matters into your own hands. Consult with a dedicated criminal defense attorney today. Common felony charges brought in the Union County Common Pleas Court include:
- Drug charges – Felony drug charges relate to the possession of illegal drugs, the possession of illegal drugs with the intent to distribute, the manufacture of illegal drugs, or the trafficking of illegal drugs.
- Financial crimes – Financial crimes are often referred to as white-collar crimes and include illegal acts intended to defraud another for one’s own financial gain, including crimes such as forgery, bribery, embezzlement, and more.
- Property crimes – Property crimes are illegal acts that target the property of someone else, including burglary, arson, robbery, and vandalism (or the destruction of property).
- Sex crimes – Sex crimes include a wide array of sexually-based offenses, including sexual assault, rape, prostitution, child pornography, and more. Simply being charged with a sex crime (without ever being convicted) can have seriously negative repercussions.
- Theft and fraud charges – Theft and fraud charges tend to be as complicated as they are serious. To reach the level of felony theft, the amount involved must exceed the legal threshold. Robbery involves either the threat of violence or actual violence, making it one of the most serious forms of theft. Fraud refers to obtaining someone else’s money illegally via fraudulence.
- Weapons and gun charges – Owning or using guns and other weapons outside of legal boundaries can lead to a weapons and gun charge. When this charge is brought in conjunction with another, it can be an aggravating factor that increases the severity of the charge.
If you face a felony charge, the time to call Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 has arrived. Making a mistake at this juncture can lead to consequences that haunt you into your future. Our intrepid Union County criminal defense attorneys are impressively equipped to help guide your case through the Union County Common Pleas Court and toward an outcome that supports your rights and best interests.
3) Union County: Penalties for Criminal Convictions
If your charge turns into a conviction, it’s important to proceed with purpose. Whether a jury convicts you or your criminal defense attorney deftly negotiates a plea deal for you, your experienced defense attorney is focused on defending your rights in pursuit of the least harsh sentencing possible. Your defense strategy is critical to the outcome of your case, and it will play a significant role in the sentence you receive if you are convicted.
Every charge has its own sentencing max, but the judge in your case has considerable discretion in the matter and will take your defense into careful consideration in the process. The sentence maximums for misdemeanors in the state of Ohio include:
- Minor misdemeanor – For a minor misdemeanor, you face no risk of jail time, but your charge can carry a fine of up to $150.
- Fourth-degree misdemeanor – If you’re convicted of a fourth-degree misdemeanor, you face a fine of up to $250 and a sentence of up to 30 days in jail.
- Third-degree misdemeanor – If you’re convicted of a third-degree misdemeanor, you face a fine of up to $500 and a sentence of up to 60 days in jail.
- Second-degree misdemeanor – If you’re convicted of a second-degree misdemeanor, you face a fine of up to $750 and a sentence of up to 90 days in jail.
- First-degree misdemeanor – If you’re convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, you face a fine of up to $1,000 and a sentence of up to six months in jail.
While misdemeanor charges are less serious than felony charges, they can have significant personal, financial, and social consequences that should never be taken lightly.
The sentencing guidelines for felonies are more serious still and include:
- Fifth-degree felony – If you’re convicted of a fifth-degree felony, you’re looking at fines of up to $2,500 and a sentence of from 6 to 12 months in prison.
- Fourth-degree felony – If you’re convicted of a fourth-degree felony, you’re facing fines of up to $5,000 and a sentence of from 9 to 18 months in prison.
- Third-degree felony – If you’re convicted of a third-degree felony, you face up to $10,000 in fines and a sentence of from 9 to 60 months in prison (repeat violent offenders can face significant sentencing enhancements).
- Second-degree felony – If you’re convicted of a second-degree felony, you face up to $15,000 in fines and a sentence of from 2 to 8 years in prison (repeat violent offenders can face significant sentencing enhancements).
- First-degree felony – If you’re convicted of a first-degree felony, you are looking at up to $20,000 in fines and from 3 to 11 years in prison (repeat violent offenders can face significant sentencing enhancements).
Juvenile Convictions
Juvenile convictions have their own legal consequences that are intended to rehabilitate rather than to punish. While juvenile sentences tend to be less harsh than their adult equivalents, a juvenile conviction can lead to profoundly negative consequences in your child’s future. Consider the following sentencing basics for juvenile convictions:
- Your child can be placed in the court’s custody or can be sentenced to a care facility for delinquent children.
- Your child may be placed under house arrest.
- Your child may receive the juvenile version of probation, which is called community control.
- Your child may be sentenced to community service.
- Your child may require monitoring, counseling, or drug and alcohol treatment.
- Your child may be required to obey a curfew.
- Your child may have their driver’s license suspended or could be required to wait longer to obtain a license.
- Your child may be required to attend school, and their attendance may be monitored.
It’s important to note that if your child is tried as an adult, their case will proceed just like an adult’s would, and adult sentencing parameters will apply.
Diversion Programs in Union County
In certain situations, there are diversion programs in place that allow someone who’s been accused of a crime to bypass a criminal record by successfully completing the diversion program handed down by the court (in lieu of a conviction and an attendant sentence). There are a variety of benefits associated with diversion programs, including:
- You bypass a conviction for the charge you face and, thus, bypass a sentence.
- You bypass having a criminal record.
- You bypass the negative social consequences of having a criminal record.
In order to qualify for a diversion program in Union County, all of the following prerequisites generally apply:
- Without actually pleading guilty to the charge you face, you must consent to the admission of guilt.
- If you had been convicted of the charge in question, it would have been your first.
- The charge you faced was for a nonviolent crime that was not sexually-based.
While a diversion program can be a great opportunity, this is not always the case, and you should never accept such a deal without the professional legal guidance of a skilled defense attorney who is up to speed with your case and is well acquainted with the Union County criminal justice system. Your best defense does not necessarily include taking a diversion program if it’s offered. Ultimately, your best path forward depends upon the circumstances that make up your unique case, your individual goals, and the defense strategy that you and your knowledgeable defense attorney agree best addresses both.
The Union County Juvenile Court also has diversion programs available for juvenile defendants, but they are typically reserved for teens who’ve suffered considerable hardship, including neglect or abuse or alcohol or drug addiction. Diversion programs for juveniles tend to involve the same prerequisites that adult programs do. Additionally, however, they generally require parental involvement and focus on counseling and treatment options.
4) Union County: Warrants
If there is already a warrant out with your name on it (or you suspect there might be), don’t wait for the other shoe to drop. The time to take action is now, and the action you should take is to discuss your concerns with a reputable criminal defense attorney sooner rather than later. Warrants are typically issued in one of two manners:
- If a police officer has probable cause for believing that you committed a crime and a judge agrees with this assessment, the judge can issue an arrest warrant. This warrant can be used to arrest you in your home, at your place of work, or in the course of a traffic stop, such as for speeding or running a red light.
- If you are scheduled to appear in court and fail to do so, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and it works in exactly the same way as above.
If there’s a chance that you have a pending warrant, or if you know that you do, a dedicated Union County criminal defense attorney will discuss your best options with you. If your attorney cannot negotiate a warrant recall on your behalf, they are likely to advise you that it is in your best interests to turn yourself in so you can control the circumstances of your arrest and help minimize its negative consequences.
5) Union County: Hiring the Right Criminal Defense Attorney for You
If you or your child is facing a criminal charge, you may be feeling overwhelmed, and that’s perfectly natural. Once you have a seasoned criminal defense attorney who is well versed with Union County’s courts in your corner, you can rest easier, but finding the right criminal defense attorney for you can be daunting. By keeping the following points in mind, you will help ensure that you and your attorney are a good fit and that your best interests are well protected:
- Look for a criminal defense attorney who has a wealth of experience in the Union County courts. Every court has its own culture and quirks, and so having an attorney who is well-acquainted with the court your case will be tried in can prove to be a significant advantage.
- Don’t let the cost of hiring a practiced criminal defense attorney sway your decision to hire the right attorney for you. The fact is that the cost of having a formidable defense team on your side can more than pay for itself relative to the outcome of your case and the potential fines and penalties you face. Now is not the time to hunt for a bargain.
- Many people are keen on blaming themselves. While this isn’t uncommon when facing criminal charges, it’s a terrible defense strategy and may be erroneous. Rather than dictating your own defense (or lack thereof), allow your trusted criminal defense attorney to guide your case in the direction that addresses the unique circumstances of your case and that best serves you and your future.
Your astute criminal defense attorney is well equipped to satisfy the important role you hire them to fill, including helping you become better acquainted with your case’s merits and challenges, crafting your sharpest defense, skillfully negotiating with the prosecution on your behalf, and forging your next best steps.
Your defense attorney will perform all of the following critical tasks:
- Your attorney will arduously defend your constitutional rights and bring any lapses to the court’s attention.
- Your attorney will assess the prosecution’s case to help determine if it’s credible/ The assessment will include ascertaining if all the evidence gathered against you was obtained legally.
- Your attorney will build your defense around all available evidence, including digging for exculpatory evidence that supports your defense, parsing the prosecution’s evidence for admissibility and transparency, and highlighting any extenuating circumstances that might play a mitigating role in the outcome of your case.
- Your attorney will maintain an open dialogue with the defense in order to help keep your options open in the event that negotiating a plea bargain is in your best interest.
- Your attorney will maintain an ongoing effort to advocate on behalf of your case’s most positive resolution throughout the legal process.
If you are facing a criminal charge, you are well-advised to exercise your right to remain silent and to allow your dedicated criminal defense attorney to skillfully speak on behalf of your best interests and in pursuit of a just resolution for your case.
6) Union County: Criminal Defense Q&A
In which courthouse will my case be tried?
The courthouse chosen to try your case depends upon the category of the charge. Consider the following:
- If you are charged with a traffic violation, ordinance violation, or a misdemeanor, your case will be heard in the Union County Municipal Court.
- If your child has been charged with a crime as a juvenile, their case will be tried at the Union County Juvenile Court.
- If you face a felony charge, it will have to make its way through the grand jury at the Union County Municipal Court before moving to the Union County Common Pleas Court (if you are indicted).
Is it necessary to hire an attorney for my child?
While your child is not required to have a criminal defense attorney on their side, it’s important to consider the larger picture. Your child has a big life ahead, and a conviction now can have seriously negative consequences that will leave your child with fewer options and opportunities moving forward. Your investment in an experienced criminal defense attorney is an investment in your child’s future.
Why do juveniles have their own court?
The courts recognize that children are not just miniature adults. Children don’t have the maturity, the level of experience, or the personal agency to be held to the same level of responsibility that adults are, which is why a branch of our court system deals with them alone. The juvenile court’s focus is on helping to rehabilitate the child rather than punishing them. In certain situations, such as when the charge is especially reprehensible, the juvenile may be charged as an adult. The case then moves forward through the Union County Common Pleas Court just as adult cases do.
If convicted, will my child spend time in jail?
It’s important to remember that the juvenile court’s focus is on rehabilitation, which means that the judge who sentences your child will explore all the available options and is not intent on punishing your child with detention. Depending upon the circumstances, however, your child could face time in a detention center or Department of Youth Services facility, which is tantamount to a juvenile jail sentence. However, if your child was charged as an adult, their sentencing will proceed exactly like an adult’s world and, depending upon the charge, it can mean jail time.
Is it a good idea to post my loved one’s bail?
If your family member, child, or loved one has been arrested, you may be tempted to spring into action and post bail immediately, but this isn’t always the best choice. Conferring with a savvy criminal defense attorney prior to posting bail allows you to explore your best options. A resourceful criminal defense attorney who has a considerable working knowledge of the Union County court system may be able to effect a preferable outcome, including obtaining a reduction in bail or doing away with the need for bail in the first place.
What is the best way to find someone in the jail system?
If you’re looking for someone in the Union County jail system, it can feel like a daunting process, but the Tri-County Regional Jail website is a great place to start. Here, you’ll find their visitation schedule and visitation rules, a portal where you can search for your inmate, guidelines for sending money to inmates, and more. If you’re looking for more than just the basics, however, it’s a good idea to connect with an informed criminal defense attorney who can help you protect your loved one’s rights.
If I think there might be a warrant out for my arrest, what should I do?
If it’s come to your attention that there might be a warrant out for your arrest, don’t sweep the matter under the rug. The truth is that being arrested in front of your family at home or your coworkers on the job is something that it’s best to avoid. When you tackle the matter head-on with an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side, you may be able to effect a more positive resolution by either clearing the warrant through the court or, barring that, by demonstrating your good-faith effort to face the matter directly.
Should I plead guilty?
If your impulse is simply to plead guilty to the charge you face in an attempt to put it behind you, now is a good time to reevaluate. Even if the charge is relatively minor, your guilty plea is equivalent to a conviction and can reverberate into your future in surprisingly negative ways (that you may not have even taken into consideration). Before you plead guilty, consider all of the following:
- The charge you face could be overblown.
- Once you plead guilty, you surrender all leverage you have regarding making a plea deal or negotiating your sentence.
- Pleading guilty before you are well aware of all your options and have a handle on the bigger picture is ill-advised, which means that you shouldn’t plead guilty before you’ve consulted with a well-respected criminal defense attorney.
7) Union County: Law Enforcement
If you, your child, or another family member is facing a criminal charge in Union County, having the following information can help:
221 W Fifth Street
Marysville, OH 43040
Malcum J. (Jamie) Patton, Sheriff
Emergency: 911
Main Office: 937-645-4110
Tri-County Regional Jail: 937-834-5000
Communications Division
221 W. Fifth Street
Marysville, OH 43040
937-645-4171
The local Sheriff’s office fills a variety of critical roles, including running the Union County jail system and supporting the local courthouses.
209 S. Main Street
Marysville, OH 43040
Floyd Golden, Chief
Emergency: 911
937-645-7352
The Marysville police department is responsible for helping to ensure the safety of the community. It is committed to living up to this goal through responsible law enforcement and well-considered public service initiatives.
8) Union County: Resources
Union County is committed to providing robust resources to its citizens, including those who are interested in learning more about what’s out there, who find themselves facing criminal charges, or who are facing personal challenges. All of the following resources can prove useful:
- Union County Clerk of Courts – This website is a great place to start if
- you’re in need of information related to the Union County Common Pleas or Juvenile Court, including contact information, information about available services, and more.
- Marysville Municipal Court – If you face a traffic violation, a city ordinance violation, or a misdemeanor charge, this website shares basic information regarding how to proceed.
- Union County Prosecutor’s Office – The Union County prosecutor’s office is charged with prosecuting all adult and juvenile cases throughout the county.
- Welcome to Union County – Get to know more about what Marysville and Union County have to offer here.
- Map of Union County – This map provides an overview of Union County’s physical layout.
- Crime Rates for the City of Marysville – Learn more about the crime rates in Marysville (the county seat of Union County) on this website.
- Union County Law Library – For more detailed and in-depth federal, state, and local legal information, explore the Union County Law Library.
- Union County Auditor – The auditor is the Chief Fiscal Officer and the Chief Assessor for Union County.
- Union County Child Support – Address your child-support related concerns here.
- Union County Department of Job and Family Services – This department is a good resource for helping you resolve issues related to childcare, healthcare, or employment services.
- Union County Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber is committed to promoting businesses and business growth and providing wide-ranging community services and programs.
- Union County Mental Health and Recovery Board – This MHRBUC is committed to providing the kind of compassionate and supportive environment that helps enhance the quality of life throughout Union County
- The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) – Sexual abuse is a serious problem throughout the nation, and RAINN’s mission is to provide consistent support and resources to victims everywhere.
9) Union County: In the News
A few new and noteworthy happenings in Union County news:
- Text to 911 in Union County is now available. Texting has become a prominent means of communication and can offer a safe alternative if you’re in an emergency situation where verbal communication is not safe (or even possible). However, the Sheriff’s Office points out that calling 911 remains the preferred and most efficient method of obtaining emergency services.
- The local response to Union County’s inclusion in the state’s COVID-19 Phase 1B vaccination registration has been overwhelming. In fact, the first 200 vaccine appointments available for residents over the age of 80 were scheduled within the first 20 to 30 minutes of the phone line and website’s opening. The organizers praised the outpouring of help that elderly registrants received. The community is committed to distributing all vaccines (as they become available) as effectively and efficiently as possible.
- The spring semester in the Fairbanks School System in Union County transitioned back to full-time in-classroom learning after addressing COVID-19 with online classrooms.
10) Union County: Court Locations and Contact Information
If you have an upcoming court date, keep the following contact information in mind:
Union County Common Pleas Court
Union County Courthouse
215 W. Fifth Street
Marysville, OH 43040
The Union County Common Pleas Court has jurisdiction over all felony cases and overall civil cases that involve an amount over $15,000. Additionally, the court hears cases involving family law and juvenile crimes. For more information, visit their website or call the main office at 937-645-3015
The key personnel at the Union County Common Pleas Court include:
Danielle N. Sullivan, Clerk of Courts
The Union County Prosecuting Attorney provides professional, effective, and efficient legal representation and advice to governmental entities, diligently prosecuting criminal offenders within the ethics and boundaries of state laws and for the protection of the community and in pursuit of justice for crime victims.
Union County Prosecutor
233 W. Sixth Street
Marysville, OH 43040
937-645-4190
Marysville Municipal Court
1250 W. Fifth Street
Marysville, OH 43040
For more information, visit their website or call the main office at 937-644-9102.
Key personnel includes:
Danielle N. Sullivan, Clerk of Courts
Union County Juvenile Court
Union County Courthouse
215 W. Fifth Street
Marysville, OH 43040
For more information, visit their website or call the main office at 937-645-3029.
Key personnel includes:
Judge Charlotte Coleman Eufinger
Leigh Ann Moots, Chief Deputy Clerk
Reach Out to an Experienced Union County Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Criminal charges range from relatively minor to extremely serious, but a conviction on any charge can have serious future implications. If you or your child is facing a criminal charge, the first order of business is consulting with one of the dedicated Union County criminal defense attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm. Our esteemed legal team will help you better understand the charge you face, will explore your legal options with you, and will strategize with you regarding your fulsome defense. Whether you’re facing a traffic or ordinance violation, a misdemeanor, or a felony, you deserve the kind of dedicated legal representation that Brian Joslyn is committed to providing every client.
Our firm’s solid reputation within the Union County court system, including the Municipal Court, the Common Pleas Court, and the Juvenile Court, is well established. We focus our practice on zealously defending the rights of clients like you, so if you or your child is facing criminal charges in Union County, don’t wait to contact or call us at (614) 444-1900 for more information about how we can help you today.
