Central Ohio Court System

Charged with a Crime in Central Ohio? Call LHA at (614) 500-3836 Today.

When facing criminal charges in Central Ohio, knowing what you’re up against and having effective legal representation from start to finish are critical. At Luftman, Heck, & Associates LLP, our Columbus criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience assisting people in situations like yours, and we want you to have all the necessary information, no matter what allegations or charges are complicating your life.

On this page

Find my assigned court
Why was I assigned to this court?
Felony Vs. Misdemeanor Charges

Find my Assigned Court

Select a county below to view a list of courts and to read more about how it conducts criminal proceedings.

Why Was I Assigned to This Court?

If you’re not sure why you were assigned one court instead of the other—for instance, Franklin County Municipal Court instead of the Dublin Mayor’s Court, a few factors usually go into this decision.

The most important factor in determining where your case is scheduled is the county where you were charged. If you are charged in Franklin County, your case will never be assigned in Delaware County and vice versa.

Another factor in determining where your case is scheduled is which jurisdiction the police officer who arrested you is employed by. Keeping with the Dublin example, if a City of Dublin police officer arrests you in Dublin, your case would likely start at the Dublin Mayor’s Court.

However, if a City of Columbus police officer, Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy or Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper arrests you; your case would be scheduled in Franklin County Municipal Court.

Ohio Felony vs. Misdemeanor Sentencing

Ohio divides criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, based on the maximum potential punishments. These penalties are largely determined by its severity, your prior criminal history, and any other relevant factors.

Ohio Felony Sentencing

Degree	Prison Time	Maximum Fine
First Degree	3-11 Years	$20,000
Second Degree	2-8 Years	$10,000
Third Degree	9-36 Months 12-60 months*	$7,500
Fourth Degree	6-18 Months	$5,000
Fifth Degree	6-12 Months	$2,500

* Depending on type of third degree felony charge

Ohio Misdemeanor Sentencing

Degree	Jail Time	Maximum Fine
First Degree	Up to 180 days	$1,000
Second Degree	Up to 90 days	$750
Third Degree	Up to 60 days	$500
Fourth Degree	Up to 30 days	$250
Minor Misdemeanor	None	$150

Common Pleas Courts only handle felony cases. In Ohio, an F5 is the least severe felony charge and an F1 is the most severe. The penalties (prison, fine etc.) increase by the degree of felony you are charged with.

Municipal Courts only handle misdemeanor cases. In Ohio, a minor misdemeanor is the least severe misdemeanor charge and a First Degree Misdemeanor is the most severe. The penalties (jail, fine etc.) increase by the degree of misdemeanor.

Don’t Navigate the Ohio Court System Alone

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor in mayor’s court or a felony in common pleas court, your future is too important to leave to chance. The attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates have decades of experience guiding individuals through every stage of the Ohio criminal justice system—from understanding court assignments to fighting for reduced charges and dismissals.

Call (614) 500-3836 today or contact us online to schedule your free and confidential consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Central Ohio Court System

Find my Assigned Court

Why Was I Assigned to This Court?

Ohio Felony vs. Misdemeanor Sentencing

Don’t Navigate the Ohio Court System Alone

If you have been charged with a crime, contact us TODAY for a FREE consultation

Practice Areas

Attorneys