You may go to an Ohio mayor’s court in order to resolve a case without going before a judge. Your case may be taken to a mayor’s court if you are charged with a misdemeanor or traffic violation in a community of 200 people or more, or without a municipal court.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, contact our Columbus criminal defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates right away. We can evaluate your case and help you throughout the legal process.
Call our attorneys today at (614) 500-3836 to discuss your legal options and schedule a free consultation.
What is a Mayor’s Court?
Mayor’s court cases are usually held before a magistrate or a mayor. The mayors themselves are not required to be a certified lawyer. If your case is not being handled by the mayor, but is being presided over by a magistrate appointed by the mayor, they are required to be a certified lawyer with a minimum of three years of experience.
Cases held in a mayor’s court are typically smaller cases such as hearing regarding misdemeanors or traffic violations.
Types of Cases Handled in Ohio Mayor Courts
Ohio mayor’s courts can hear multiple types of cases such as:
OVI Cases
Drunk driving cases can be heard before the mayor’s court if the defendant has not been charged with an OVI offense within the past six years.
Violations of Municipal Ordinances
These types of cases can include violations such as parking or moving car violations.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanor cases such as reckless driving can also be heard in a mayor’s court.
Cases the Mayor’s Court Cannot Handle
Mayor’s courts cannot hear any felonies, nor can they hold jury trials. If a jury trial is desired, the case must be transferred to a municipal court. Other types of prohibited mayor’s court cases include:
- Kidnapping
- Assault
- Domestic violence
- Violation of protective orders
- Aggravated trespassing
- Stalking
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are several advantages and disadvantages to taking your case to the mayor’s court.
Advantages of Taking Your Case to the Mayor’s Court
Hearings in a mayor’s court are typically casual and relaxed. They often take place at night in order to accommodate busy work schedules.
Disadvantages of Taking Your Case to the Mayor’s Court
There has been much speculation on the efficiency and integrity of mayor’s courts. People believe that the mayors are not well qualified to handle these types of cases, and only accredited lawyers and judges should be allowed to.
There has also been speculation that the hefty fines given out to defendants in the mayor’s court are only meant to profit the city. Although attempts to revoke mayor’s court privileges have been taken, nothing has been successful so far.
Should You Handle an OVI in Mayor’s Court?
If you’re facing an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charge, Mayor’s Court may offer a more flexible and informal setting for resolution, particularly for first-time offenders. Many cases are handled by a magistrate without the need for a jury, and outcomes can sometimes be negotiated more quickly than in municipal court. However, it’s important to remember that the potential penalties for an OVI—such as jail time, fines, and license suspension—are the same regardless of the venue.
You Can Appeal a Mayor’s Court OVI Decision
One unique benefit of Mayor’s Court is that if you’re unhappy with the outcome, you can appeal the decision within 10 days and request a new trial in municipal court. This effectively gives you a second chance at fighting the charges.
That said, deciding whether to resolve your case in Mayor’s Court should be done with the guidance of an experienced OVI attorney who understands the local court dynamics and can help you weigh the pros and cons.
How to Appeal Your OVI Case:
-
You must file a notice of appeal within 10 days of your Mayor’s Court decision
-
Once filed, your entire case starts over in municipal or county court
-
The previous ruling will be completely dismissed, and you’ll get a fresh opportunity to present your case
If you’re considering this route, time is of the essence. The 10-day window is short, and filing improperly can jeopardize your right to appeal. That’s why working with an experienced Columbus OVI lawyer is key.
How Luftman, Heck & Associates’s OVI Lawyers Can Help
If you have been charged with a crime, contact a Columbus criminal defense attorneys right away. Our attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates can walk you through the mayor’s court process. In the event that you want to take your case to a trial in front of a judge, we can help you file a notice of appeal.
We will stand by your side through each step of the legal process and help you receive the best outcome for your case. Call us today at (614) 500-3836 to schedule your free and confidential case consultation.
Call Now (614) 500-3836