Mahoning County Common Pleas Court
If you or someone you love was charged with a crime being handled out of the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, the time to act is now.
Located in Youngstown, Ohio, the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas handles the county’s most serious criminal and civil cases. If you’ve been charged with an offense that brings you before this court, working with proven defense attorneys like those at Patituce & Associates is crucial.
Whether you’re still awaiting an arraignment or already have a case on the docket at Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, our award-winning team can help.
About the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas
The Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas is housed in the Mahoning County Courthouse, a historic landmark in downtown Youngstown. Constructed in the early 20th century, this impressive courthouse continues to serve as the center of justice for Mahoning County. The court’s General Division hears thousands of cases annually, including felony criminal matters, civil cases, and appeals.
- Address: 120 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
- Phone number: (330) 740-2158
- Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Court website
The Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas is part of Ohio’s general trial court system, handling the most serious cases within its jurisdiction. Each county in Ohio has one Court of Common Pleas, with countywide jurisdiction established by the Ohio Constitution. This jurisdiction cannot be altered without a constitutional amendment, unlike the boundaries of municipal and mayor’s courts, which are regulated by statute.
This means that the Mahoning Court of Common Please serves all cities within the county, including Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, Canfield, Struthers, and Poland.
Types of Cases Heard at the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas
The General Division of the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas hears felony criminal cases and civil disputes involving claims exceeding $15,000. Additionally, the court has separate divisions for domestic relations, juvenile matters, and administrative appeals, and as such handles some of the most significant legal cases in the county.
The Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas has broad jurisdiction and hears a wide range of serious criminal and civil cases, including:
- Felonies: The court handles all felony criminal offenses, which are punishable by more than one year in prison, as defined by Ohio Revised Code § 2901.02. Examples of felonies heard by the court include violent crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, and robbery, various sex crimes, major theft offenses, serious drug crimes, and more. Felony charges are severe and can lead to long-term imprisonment and other significant penalties.
- Arraignments: Arraignments at the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas are held several times a week. During an arraignment, defendants are formally charged, bail is set, and legal representation may be appointed. The court follows a strict schedule, ensuring that cases are processed promptly.
- Pre-trial Hearings: Pre-trial hearings allow the defense and prosecution to present motions, challenge evidence, and potentially reach a plea agreement before trial. These hearings are essential to the case’s progress, and effective legal representation can help you secure a favorable outcome.
- Probation (Community Control): The court oversees individuals on various forms of pre-and post-conviction court supervision. This can include diversion, electronic monitoring, and probation with strict and varying terms, such as reporting to a probation officer, complying with court-ordered programs, and avoiding further legal trouble.
- Administrative Appeals: The Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas also hears administrative appeals from county and municipal agencies, allowing individuals or businesses to challenge decisions made by local government bodies.
Award-Winning Firm
Do I Need a Criminal Attorney at Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas?
While it is not legally required to have an attorney in all criminal cases, having an experienced defense attorney at your side in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas can be the most effective means of avoiding a conviction, lengthy prison sentence, and other devastating consequences. Some of the reasons why it’s wise to retain a lawyer include:
- Legal Insight: Criminal attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge regarding Ohio’s laws and the court system. They can craft a defense strategy that challenges evidence, identifies procedural errors, and negotiates favorable plea deals.
- Protection of Rights: An attorney ensures your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process. This includes challenging unlawful searches, improper handling of evidence, and ensuring a fair trial.
- Court Procedures and Rules: The Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas follows strict procedures that can be difficult to navigate without legal guidance. An experienced attorney familiar with local rules will ensure that deadlines are met and mistakes are avoided.
Without legal representation, you risk severe consequences, including incarceration, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Don’t leave your future to chance—speak to an attorney at Patituce & Associates to discuss your defense strategy.
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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 Mahoning County Common Pleas Court?
At Patituce & Associates, our nationally recognized trial lawyers are dedicated to helping folks across Mahoning County protect their rights, freedoms, and futures. With hundreds of successfully handled cases under our belt, we have the tools to provide the insight, support, and hard-hitting representation you need when it matters most.
Here’s why clients choose us:
- Extensive Trial Experience: Our attorneys have taken hundreds of criminal cases to trial, fighting for our clients’ rights in even the most complex felony cases.
- Former Prosecutors on Your Side: With former prosecutors on our team, we know how the other side operates. This insider knowledge allows us to develop defense strategies that counter the prosecution’s case at every turn.
- Proven Success: We have secured numerous dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and reduced charges for clients in felony and serious civil cases. Our track record speaks for itself.
Top Cases We Handle:
Recent Results
We have successfully defended clients in complex and consequential cases before the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas and other state and federal courts across Ohio. Some of our recent case results include:
- ACQUITAL: Triple Murder/Felonious Assault. Our client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party involving multiple injuries and deaths. We were able to show the state 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: Aggravated Burglary. Our client was charged with high-level violent felonies, including aggravated burglary, and faced significant penalties. We were able to secure a plea agreement for reduced charges and no jail time.
- OVI CHARGES DISMISSED: DUI/OVI. Our client was pulled over for speeding and unexpectedly asked to perform a breath test and field sobriety tests. We defended our client at the trial court, which ultimately agreed that all evidence should be suppressed, and the OVI/DUI charges dropped.
Patituce & Associates is an award-winning trial practice known for our deep bench of defense attorneys and unwavering commitment to clients facing life-altering criminal charges.
If you have a criminal matter being handled out of the Mahoning Common Pleas Court, our talented attorneys are here to help. Call (440) 771-1175 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation.