Painesville Municipal Court
We Can Help You Protect Your Rights
Facing criminal charges can be one of the most overwhelming and stressful experiences of your life. With the right legal representation, however you have the potential to navigate this difficult situation more effectively and improve your chances of a favorable outcome. A skilled attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explain your legal options, and develop a strategy tailored to your case. Even in situations where jail or prison time is a possibility, there are often ways to negotiate reduced penalties or alternative sentences depending on the specifics of your case and personal circumstances.
At Patituce & Associates, we offer more than 70 years of combined experience in criminal defense. This experience provides us a wealth of knowledge to draw from when building your defense. Our attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of cases, from minor traffic infractions to serious felony charges. We also have in-depth knowledge of the Painesville Municipal Court and its specific procedures, which gives us an edge when guiding clients through the legal process in this jurisdiction.
It's important to act quickly when you face criminal charges in Ohio. Call (440) 771-1175 to learn more about how Patituce & Associates can help.
About Painesville Municipal Court
The Painesville Municipal Court occupies a building that was originally the First church of Christ Scientist’s Church in 1917. The church owned the building until it sold the facility to the City of Painesville in 1968. Painesville developed the building into a municipal court upon the recommendation of the Bar Association, which cited an increase in litigation from car accidents on Buffalo Road, now called Route 20.
Today, the Painesville Municipal Court has jurisdiction over Painesville City and the townships of Painesville, Concord, Leroy, Madison, and Perry, as well as the villages of Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Madison, North Perry, and Perry. If you are cited for a traffic violation or arrested for a misdemeanor within these areas, the Painesville Municipal Court will adjudicate your legal matters.
- Address: 7 Richmond St., Painesville, OH 44077
- Phone number: (440) 392-5900
- Business hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday
- Court website: www.pmcourt.com
- Judges: Paul R. Malchesky
Types of Cases Heard at Painesville Municipal Court
Painesville Municipal Court handles all misdemeanor cases, ordinance violations, and traffic offenses that fall under its authority. It also deals with civil disputes involving amounts up to $15,000 and small claims cases for amounts of $6,000 or less.
Traffic Violations
Although traffic violations aren't classified as criminal offenses, they can still result in significant penalties. Unpaid fines from traffic tickets can lead to financial and legal difficulties, and accumulating too many points on your driving record may result in a license suspension. Having skilled legal assistance can make a difference when challenging an unfair ticket and seeking a more favorable resolution.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are generally considered less severe offenses, but they can still result in harsh consequences such as jail time of up to one year and steep fines. If you are facing unfair misdemeanor charges, having knowledgeable legal representation is crucial in protecting your rights. With the right defense, it may be possible to reduce or even dismiss the charges against you.
Felonies
While felony cases are not tried in the Painesville Municipal Court, the court holds preliminary hearings for felony charges. These hearings are conducted to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to refer the case to a higher trial court for further adjudication.
Award-Winning Firm
Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Painesville?
If you're facing criminal charges, hiring a criminal defense attorney is critical to protecting your rights and navigating the complex legal system. A skilled attorney can provide valuable guidance, explain the charges against you, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation. Whether you're dealing with a misdemeanor or a more serious felony, an experienced attorney will work to mitigate penalties, negotiate plea deals if necessary, and represent your best interests in court.
Criminal cases can have long-lasting consequences, affecting your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. Attempting to handle your defense on your own can be overwhelming and lead to unfavorable outcomes. A criminal defense attorney brings in-depth knowledge of the law and procedural experience that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, potentially leading to reduced charges, dismissed cases, or lesser penalties.
Why You Should Choose Patituce & Associates ?
Our legal team at Patituce & Associates brings together more than 70 years of combined experience, making our attorneys reliable and determined advocates for your defense. We recognize the gravity of criminal charges and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
We can help you defend your rights against charges alleging the following:
- Federal Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- DUI/OVI
- Theft Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
Our attorneys are dedicated to safeguarding your rights. We craft personalized defense strategies that ensure each client understands their legal rights and available options. With a careful review of the evidence, it may be possible to reduce or even dismiss charges. Our team is ready to provide the comprehensive, unwavering advocacy you need.
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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.
Recent Case Results
Achieving favorable outcomes for a client can take various forms, depending on the specific circumstances. Although the ideal results often involve dropped charges or an acquittal, proactive negotiation can also lead to beneficial results, such as reduced charges or lighter sentencing, especially when facing potentially severe penalties.
Here are some notable case outcomes we achieved for our clients:
- OVI Charges Dismissed: In City of Oberlin v. Barber, our client was stopped for speeding. The officer unexpectedly asked our client to perform a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer, ultimately leading to a OVI arrest. We effectively argued for the dismissal of all charges, and the trial court ultimately agreed to drop everything except the speeding violation.
- Reduced Penalties: In U.S. v. Poling, our client was facing federal charges related to child pornography, which typically carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, we successfully advocated for a more favorable sentence of five years.
- Case Dismissed: In Cleveland v. Al-Nazer, our client faced DUI charges and was additionally accused of improperly handling a firearm. We successfully demonstrated that the trooper engaged in misconduct and other violations, leading to the dismissal of the case.
- Charges Dismissed: In State v. Bittner in Lorain County, our client was arrested for drug trafficking. Through our advocacy, they were able to avoid severe penalties by participating in a first-offender program.
- Evidence Suppressed, State Lost Appeal: In City of Cleveland v. Oles, our client was pulled over for an alleged illegal lane change and arrested for DUI. We argued that the trooper employed improper investigative methods that violated our client’s rights, resulting in a favorable trial outcome.
The most severe outcome of your criminal charges isn’t guaranteed. At Patituce & Associates, we offer the legal support necessary to safeguard your rights and prevent unjust treatment. If you need assistance contesting a traffic violation or criminal charges at Painesville Municipal Court, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Call (440) 771-1175 today or send us a message to request an initial consultation.
