Franklin County Municipal Court
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin County Municipal Court handles cases involving misdemeanor crimes, pretrial procedures, probation, traffic arraignment, record sealing, and a variety of other case types not directly related to criminal defense and the criminal justice system.
If you have a criminal case that is going before a judge and possibly a jury in Franklin County, you’ll likely end up in this courthouse. Before you go, talk to a member of Patituce & Associates to discover how we can help you prepare for your time before Franklin County Municipal Court. As a local team of criminal defense lawyers, we are highly familiar with this court, its judges, and its procedures. We are prepared to represent you, giving you one less thing to worry about with your case.
About Franklin County Municipal Court
In 1955, the General Assembly of the State of Ohio officially created the Municipal Court, which would later become the Franklin County Municipal Court as Ohio’s population centers continued to expand. Although the courthouse today looks remarkable, it is not in its original building; it was first located in City Hall but moved in 1979.
- Address: 375 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone number: (614) 645-8214
- Business hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (most weeks)
- More information: https://www.franklincountymunicourt.org/
- Judges: https://municipalcourt.franklincountyohio.gov/Judiciary/Judges
Types of Cases Heard at Franklin County Municipal Court
Franklin County Municipal Court has 14 General Division Judges, as well as one Judge who specifically handles Environmental Division cases. If you have a case involving criminal defense or traffic violations, you will go before one of the General Division Judges. Together, the Judges preside over traffic cases and misdemeanor criminal cases, as well as certain civil cases with less than $15,000.00 in dispute. According to the court’s own words, it is a court that “provides justice and resolves disputes in a fair, accessible, and courteous manner and serves as a resource to the community it serves.”
Your case could be presented before a Franklin County Municipal Court judge (and jury) if it involves a:
- Misdemeanor offense: Misdemeanor cases that often go before this court can include driving under the influence (DUI), criminal mischief, assault, and petty theft.
- Traffic violation: Franklin County Municipal Court – Traffic Court will handle your case if you need a traffic arraignment after being ticketed for a traffic violation or charged with a traffic offense. This court is located at the same address as the main courthouse. Courtroom 1A sees cases for people with last names between A and K, and Courtroom 1B sees cases for people with last names between L and Z.
- Pretrial and probation: The court’s Department of Pretrial and Probation Services is focused on allowing defendants to use alternative methods like plea deals and probation requirements to avoid the harshest penalties of the criminal justice system. Its focus is on reducing recidivism and, therefore, improving local communities.
- Record sealing: For criminal records pertaining to offenses in Franklin County, Ohio, this court handles record sealing hearings.
Award-Winning Firm
Do I Need a Criminal Attorney at Franklin County Municipal Court?
You are not legally required to hire a criminal attorney for your case or appearance at Franklin County Municipal Court, but it is highly recommended. Employees at the court’s “Self Help Center” can direct you to a private criminal defense attorney if you do not have one; an attorney can help you understand the legalese and courtroom procedures involved in your case.
Patituce & Associates is proud to be seen as a reputable law firm not only by our peers and clients but by members and staff of the Franklin County Municipal Court.
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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 Municipal Court?
Our team at Patituce & Associates is comprised of former prosecutors, sharp legal minds, and tenacious champions for justice who have often been featured in the news for the tough and controversial criminal cases we have successfully defended. Perhaps more importantly, though, our team is comprised of Ohio locals who genuinely care about the rights and well-being of the people in our community. If you are going to Franklin County Municipal Court, let us know. We can be your trusted guides and representatives at every step along the way.
We can help you with your criminal case at Franklin County Municipal Court in many ways, such as:
- Helping you understand your options during pretrial hearings
- Reviewing courtroom procedures and expectations (which can vary from judge to judge)
- Preparing your case to bring to your next hearing or court date
- Filing documents and petitions with the right department so you don’t miss important deadlines
- Representing you before the court and acting on your behalf
- Helping you figure out where to park (multiple lots are typically available at this court)
Prepare Your Case for Franklin County Municipal Court
We understand that it can be intimidating to head to court, especially if you have never been before a judge. Our criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you throughout your case, including every step needed to prepare to go before Franklin County Municipal Court. Reach out today to learn all the different ways we can make handling your criminal case less stressful.
Call (440) 771-1175 to request an initial consultation with Patituce & Associates.
