Franklin County Common Pleas Court
If you or someone you love was charged with a crime being handled out of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the time to act is now.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Common Pleas Court handles the county’s most serious cases, including felonies that put severe penalties and prison time on the table. Whether you or your loved one have yet to be arraigned, have a pretrial hearing on the docket, or need immediate support to build a defense, our award-winning team at Patituce & Associates can help.
About the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
The Franklin County Common Pleas Courthouse was built in 2010. It houses 20 trial courtrooms, 10 magistrate courtrooms, arraignment and ceremonial courtrooms, judges’ chambers, and several “settlement suites” that are used to facilitate the resolution of cases without tying up courtrooms, a critical necessity for a court that manages over 15,000 cases a year, most of which come from its felony caseload.
As a landmark courthouse and the first LEED Gold certified building in Ohio, the Franklin County Common Pleas Court is known for its impressive architecture and glass façade.
- Address: 345 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone number: (614) 525-3600
- Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Court website: Franklin County Common Pleas Court Website
- Judges: Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judiciary
Types of Cases Heard at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court
The Franklin County Common Pleas Court has a General Division that hears all felony cases and civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $15,000. The court also has separate divisions for domestic and juvenile matters.
The court's countywide jurisdiction, established by the Ohio Constitution, ensures its authority remains consistent across Franklin County. Unlike the boundaries of county, municipal, and mayor’s courts, which are regulated by statute and can be modified, the jurisdiction of the Common Pleas Court cannot be altered without a constitutional amendment. This means it serves all cities throughout Franklin County, including Columbus, Worthington, Gahanna, Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Pickerington, Whitehall, Reynoldsburg, and Grove City.
Some of the matters handled in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court include:
- Felonies: The court handles all serious criminal offenses that carry potential sentences of more than one year in prison, as defined by Ohio Revised Code § 2901.02. Felonies prosecuted at this court may include violent crimes like murder, assault, and weapons offenses, various sex crimes, robbery, fraud, and any other criminal offense that District Attorneys have elected to prosecute as felonies.
- Arraignments: Arraignments at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court are held three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:30 p.m.—with adjustments made if holidays fall on these days. During arraignments, defendants are formally charged, bail is set, and counsel may be appointed. The court ensures that criminal cases are scheduled no more than 120 days after arraignment.
- Extra-Jurisdictional Arraignments: If a defendant is held in Franklin County under a warrant from another jurisdiction, the duty judge or magistrate at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court will set bail. In cases where no bond is requested by the issuing jurisdiction, the defendant may be released on a recognizance bond, provided essential information is available from the issuing jurisdiction.
- Pre-trial Hearings: Pre-trial hearings are a critical part of the court’s process, where motions are filed, evidence is reviewed, and plea negotiations may occur. These hearings set the stage for the trial, ensuring both sides are prepared.
- Probation (Community Control): The court oversees probation, also known as Community Control, as an alternative to prison sentences. Probation involves the court-sanctioned supervision of individuals within the community, allowing them to serve all or some of their sentences outside of incarceration while adhering to specific conditions set by the court.
Award-Winning Firm
Do I Need a Criminal Attorney at Franklin County Common Pleas Court?
Although there is no requirement that you have legal representation when charged with a crime, having an advocate who can guide you through these consequential proceedings and court processes is in your best interest. That’s because defense attorneys offer important benefits, including:
- Legal Insight: Criminal attorneys have a deep understanding of Ohio laws and the intricate workings of the legal system, enabling them to craft strong defense strategies. They know how to challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and represent you effectively in court.
- Protection of Rights: An attorney will ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes preventing or challenging unlawful searches, ensuring proper legal procedures are followed, and advocating on your behalf during trials.
- Navigating Court Procedures: The Franklin County Common Pleas Court has specific procedures and rules. A seasoned attorney familiar with these protocols can navigate the system efficiently and position you to reduce charges or secure a favorable outcome.
While it might be tempting to represent yourself in less severe cases, the stakes are high in criminal matters involving felonies. Missteps in court procedures or misunderstandings of the law can lead to severe consequences, including incarceration and a permanent criminal record.
At Patituce & Associates, we have extensive experience helping clients navigate cases processed through the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and can discuss how we can help you during a personalized consultation.
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- Martha L.
Seeking representation for federal charges against my husband led me to engage with an attorney from this firm. Swiftly connected with Joe Patituce, we made the decision to enlist his services that very day, a choice we're grateful for.
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- Cora B.
Their friendly and approachable team provided unwavering support. They worked diligently to build a robust defense, ensuring my side of the story was heard and considered!!!
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- Former Client
Cate Purdum was present, attentive, always returned my calls (I had attorneys before who never call you back), answered my questions and never ignored my calls. If I ever need an attorney in the future I will definitely go back to her.
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- Roberto M.
Catherine Meehan did an amazing job. Very responsive, friendly, and obviously very good with words. She kept me out of jail and home with my kiddo. For that I can't ever repay the favor. Much appreciated hope I never need your assistance again but if so I'll definitely give you a call. Thank you again.
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- Thomas S.
I am very satisfied with Rachelle and Joe they were talking me through my whole case and when I told them I wanted a trial they agreed and said let’s go to trial with out hesitation they were very professional and I couldn’t ask for a better law firm to have my back in my court case thank you Rachelle and Joe I highly recommend them to everybody
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- Levi G.
Joe helped my brother beat a serious RICO charge. He is simply the best criminal defense lawyer out there, and provides a clear-cut path to victory. I am extremely impressed and thankful for the hard work and dedication the team at Patituce & Associates put in on this case. It feels great to come out on the winning side, and not have to sweat a thing during the whole process. I highly recommend hiring Joe and his expert staff if you ever find yourself in any legal trouble. Thank you Joe!
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So kind and helpful! Don’t know what I would’ve done without him. Joe was kind and informative throughout the whole- Maddy P.
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- Glenn G.
I engaged Joe Patituce's services for my DUI case in Rocky River, and I couldn't have made a better choice. He and his team demonstrated excellence throughout, managing my case with remarkable skill and professionalism.
How Can Patituce & Associates Help Your Criminal Case at Franklin County Common Pleas Court?
At Patituce & Associates, our award-winning team is dedicated to helping clients throughout Ohio protect their rights, freedoms, and futures when everything is on the line. With decades of experience and hundreds of successfully handled cases, we have what it takes to walk you through your criminal matter at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
Here’s why we’re trusted when it matters most:
- Extensive Trial Experience: Our attorneys have taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting tirelessly for our clients' rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Former Prosecutors on Your Side: Our team includes former prosecutors who know how the government works to gain convictions. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate moves, maneuver clients through complexities, and craft sound defense strategies that effectively counter prosecutors’ cases.
- Proven Track Record: We have a history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, including dismissals, reduced charges, and not-guilty verdicts in cases that seemed impossible to win.
Top Cases We Handle:
Recent Results
With decades of success in the criminal arena, we’ve amassed countless victories for clients. This includes significant wins in high-stakes criminal cases handled in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court and other state and federal courts across Ohio. Some examples include:
- ACQUITAL: Triple Murder/Felonious Assault. Our client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party where multiple victims were struck, and three people were killed. We were able to show that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence to tie our client to the shooting.
- CASE DISMISSED: Drug Trafficking. Our client, a student with no criminal history, was charged with manufacturing ecstasy. Through aggressive representation and enrollment in a treatment program, we were able to secure a complete dismissal of charges.
- NO PRISON TIME: Federal Bankruptcy Fraud. Our client was charged with federal bankruptcy fraud and faced a significant prison sentence under the federal sentencing guidelines. We were able to secure house arrest and probation only.
- NOT GUILTY: Felonious Assault/Attempted Murder. Our client was charged in connection to a stabbing of an individual during a fight. He faced over a decade of prison, and prosecutors offered a plea of three to five years behind bars. At trial, we were able to show the prosecution’s witnesses were unreliable, had motives, and that some even assisted in the assault, which ultimately helped us secure a Not Guilty verdict.
Patituce & Associates is an award-winning trial practice with a reputation for providing strategic, committed, and experienced counsel to folks facing life-altering criminal charges.
If you have a criminal matter being handled out of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, our talented attorneys are here to help. Call (440) 771-1175 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation.
