HILLIARD MAYOR’S COURT – DUI/OVI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS
If you get pulled over and are charged with a criminal, OVI/DUI, or another traffic offense in Hilliard, it is likely that your case will be filed in the Hilliard Mayor’s Court.
Depending upon the alleged offense, some people may receive a payable ticket that does not require a court appearance, but others are required to appear in court for hearings and enter pleas in regard to the charges. And a guilty plea may only result in fines, but it may also result in a possible term of imprisonment as well.
HILLIARD MAYOR’S COURT LAWYERS
If you are facing criminal charges after an arrest in Hilliard, Ohio, it is in your best interest to have an experienced criminal defense attorney represent you. The criminal and DUI lawyers at Yavitch & Palmer have helped those accused of OVI/DUI, traffic violations and all types of criminal misdemeanors for over 25 years. You can have one of our attorneys review your case and discuss your legal options by calling (614) 224-6142 right now to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.
WHAT IS THE HILLIARD MAYOR’S COURT?
A mayor’s court is a local court that hears cases involving criminal misdemeanors, OVI, and traffic violations. Only Ohio and Louisiana have mayor’s courts. They are essentially their own small part time courthouses. Many townships and municipalities in Ohio have mayor’s courts.
Hilliard Mayor’s Court is located in the Joint Safety Services Building at 5171 Northwest Parkway in Hilliard, Ohio 43026. Their phone number is (614) 334-2364.
HOW DOES THE HILLIARD MAYOR’S COURT WORK?
As with other Ohio mayor’s courts, Hilliard Mayor’s Court does not conduct jury trials. Cases are heard and decided by a magistrate. However, if a defendant wants a jury trial, he or she is entitled to transfer the case to Franklin County Municipal Court.
Mayor’s court sessions in Hilliard are held on Wednesdays. Those accused of an offense and their attorneys can begin signing in at 7:30am.
The first appearance in Hilliard’s mayor’s court is for an arraignment. During the arraignment, the accused can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. During this phase the accused, or his or her lawyer, can try to negotiate a plea agreement. If one can’t be reached, the case goes to trial.
WHAT KINDS OF CASES ARE HEARD IN THE HILLIARD MAYOR’S COURT?
Besides OVI and traffic cases, the Hilliard Mayor’s Court hears a full range of criminal misdemeanor cases, including:
- Disorderly Conduct
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Marijuana Possession
- Voyeurism
- Resisting Arrest
- Assault
- Petty Theft
- Soliciting
CAN I APPEAL THE MAGISTRATE’S DECISION IN THE HILLIARD MAYOR’S COURT?
You can appeal the mayor’s court’s decision, but you only have 10 days in which to do it.
DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR MY HILLIARD OVI OR CRIMINAL CASE?
Criminal, traffic, and OVI/DUI convictions can have serious implications for your driving privileges, insurance rates, relationships, employment – and your liberty. Your first step should be to talk with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Talking to a lawyer can give you a better understanding of the penalties you may face and what you can expect, even if you think you want to try to handle it alone.
Our criminal defense lawyers have helped ‘good people in bad situations’ for over 25 years. We are an AV-rated firm and we only do criminal, traffic, and OVI defense. Our desire to help people solve their problems and get back in control of their lives adds to the extensive experience we have handling every kind of OVI/DUI, traffic and criminal misdemeanor case that is heard in the Hilliard Mayor’s Court.
TALK WITH AN EXPERIENCED HILLIARD OVI/DUI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
If you have been charged with OVI or another criminal offense in Hilliard, or anywhere in Franklin and surrounding counties, we offer a free initial phone or in-person consultation with one of our lawyers. During that meeting, we take an initial look at your case and see what kind of penalties you may be facing and what kind of options you may have.
If you decide to hire us, we start working on your case right away. We will arrange to appear on your behalf at your initial court appearance, which is called an arraignment. We work on getting you driving privileges, or a stay of your administrative license suspension. We talk with the Hilliard prosecutor’s office and obtain all of the evidence and documents that the prosecutor plans to use against you in court. For a Hilliard OVI, we examine any cruiser videos, police reports and any other documents to uncover whether the arresting police officer followed the proper steps in stopping you, citing or arresting you. We examine if the officer gave all required warnings and properly administered field sobriety tests, as well as conducted any searches or other tests properly and in accordance with the law.
If you need legal help with a Hilliard OVI or other criminal charge, you can give us a call at (614) 224-6142. Our phones are answered 24/7, and we will take your call during evenings, weekends, and holidays.