Court of Common Pleas

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in Ohio plays a pivotal role in the administration of justice, serving as the primary trial court for both criminal and civil matters within the county. This article offers a comprehensive guide to the Court's structure, services, and important procedures, especially focusing on its General Division, the handling of felony cases, civil disputes, and its various associated services.

What is the Franklin County OH Court of Common Pleas?

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is Ohio's general jurisdiction court that handles a broad array of legal cases. It is responsible for felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and family-related matters such as domestic relations and juvenile issues. This court holds original jurisdiction over felony cases and civil cases involving disputes over $15,000. If you are a resident of Franklin County, you may find yourself interacting with this court for various legal matters ranging from criminal charges to civil disputes.

Key Functions of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Criminal Cases:
The Court of Common Pleas has authority over criminal cases that involve felonies. These are serious offenses, including theft, assault, drug-related crimes, and other major offenses punishable by significant prison terms. The General Division of the Court handles most of these cases.

Civil Cases:
In addition to criminal cases, the Court of Common Pleas handles civil disputes. These cases typically involve personal injury claims, contract disputes, property disputes, and cases where the amount in question exceeds $15,000. The Court provides a platform for resolving conflicts between individuals, businesses, and government entities.

Family and Juvenile Court:
Another significant branch of the Franklin County Court system includes the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court, which deal with family law matters such as divorce, custody, and juvenile offenses. These courts operate separately but are an integral part of the overall judicial system in Franklin County.

The Structure of the Court: Judges and Magistrates

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is composed of several judges and magistrates, each presiding over specific types of cases within their division. The Court’s General Division is where most criminal and civil matters are decided. It is overseen by Administrative Judge Kim Brown, who ensures the overall operations of the Court.

The judges within the Court, such as Judge Bill Sperlazza, Judge Andria Noble, and Judge Kimberly Cocroft, among others, are responsible for hearing cases, making decisions, and overseeing court proceedings. Judges in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas are elected to six-year terms.

Additionally, the Court employs magistrates who assist in handling certain cases, including those requiring hearings, settlements, and determinations that do not require a full trial. Magistrates play an important role in ensuring efficient case processing.

Services Offered by the Court of Common Pleas

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas provides a variety of services to residents, legal professionals, and individuals involved in legal matters.

Court Administration:
Court Administration manages the operations of the court, including case scheduling, maintaining records, and coordinating the activities of judges and court staff. The administrative team is crucial for ensuring the court operates smoothly and efficiently.

Jury Service:
Jury duty is a vital part of the justice system. The Jury Commission handles the selection of jurors for trials, ensuring that the process is fair and unbiased. Citizens who receive a jury summons are required to report for duty unless they qualify for a deferral, disqualification, or excuse.

Probation Services:
For individuals who have been convicted of crimes but are not sentenced to prison, the court offers probation services. These services include Pre-Trial Services, Pre-Sentence Investigations, and Risk Reduction Supervision programs designed to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism. These services help offenders reintegrate into society while ensuring they meet the terms set by the court.

Public Records and Case Information:
The Franklin County Clerk of Courts provides access to case information online, allowing the public to track cases, search records, and obtain official court documents. The Court of Common Pleas maintains detailed records of every case that passes through its system.

Interpreter Services:
The Court provides interpreter services for individuals who require assistance due to language barriers. This includes foreign language interpreters as well as sign language interpreters, ensuring that everyone can participate meaningfully in court proceedings.

Protection Orders:
The Court also deals with civil protection orders (such as domestic violence protection orders) in cases where individuals seek legal protection from harm. These orders are essential for safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Accessing the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Location and Contact Information:
The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is located at 345 S High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. If you need assistance, you can reach the Court's general inquiries line at 614-525-3453, available Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Clerk of Courts: You can access case information through the Franklin County Clerk of Courts’ website. For further details, visit Clerk of Courts Case Information.

Court Services: The Court Services division manages multiple services, including jury services, probation supervision, and more. More information on these services is available on their official page.

Court Rules and Procedures

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas follows local rules that ensure consistency and fairness in legal proceedings. These rules cover everything from e-Filing procedures to courtroom conduct. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone interacting with the Court.

Key Departments and Their Contact Details

Court Administration
Jennifer Goodman, Court Administrator
Phone: 614.525.4147

Clerk of Courts
Phone: 614.525.3600
Website: Franklin County Clerk of Courts

Jury Commission
Phone: 614.525.3450
Website: Jury Service - Franklin County

Probation Services
Dan Wunderlich, Chief Probation Officer
Phone: 614.525.4419

Interpreter Services
Phone: 614.525.3761

How to Access Court Services Online

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas provides several online resources for public access, including the ability to file documents electronically (e-Filing), access case information, and even stream courtrooms live. These online platforms make it easier for individuals to interact with the Court remotely, without needing to visit in person.

e-Filing System: The e-Filing system is available for legal professionals to file documents and manage cases online. Visit the e-Filing page at Franklin County e-Filing.

Courtroom Live Streams: The Court provides live streaming of select courtroom proceedings. Access these streams on the Courtroom Live Streams page.

Important Legal Resources

For legal professionals and those navigating the Court's system, there are a variety of resources available to guide you. These include:

Local Rules: Available on the Court’s website, the Local Rules section outlines specific procedural guidelines for cases in the Court of Common Pleas.

Public Records Requests: Individuals can request access to court records that are not exempt from public disclosure through the Public Record Requests process.

Contact Information

Court of Common Pleas:
345 S High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614.525.3453
Fax: 614.525.4480

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas FAQs

What types of cases does the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas handle?

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas handles a wide range of cases. The court has original jurisdiction over all felony cases, including criminal cases punishable by over six months in a state penitentiary. It also manages civil cases with a disputed amount exceeding $15,000. These civil cases could include personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, and business contract disputes. The court is an essential part of the legal system, overseeing some of the most serious matters that affect the local community.

How can I find case information for the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas?

For those needing information on cases, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas provides a dedicated online portal. The Franklin County Clerk of Courts offers an online search tool to look up case details. Accessing case information online is a straightforward process via their website, where you can search by case number or party name to view case status, hearings, and filings. This service is available 24/7, providing easy access to the court’s records.

How do I request an interpreter for court proceedings in Franklin County?

If you require an interpreter for a court proceeding, you must make a formal request through the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. For foreign language or sign language interpretation, the court appoints interpreters as necessary. You should provide at least 48 hours’ notice to ensure the interpreter's availability. A form for interpreter requests can be completed online or submitted in person. The court prioritizes meaningful participation for all individuals, ensuring language barriers do not hinder access to justice.

What should I do if I receive a jury summons from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas?

If you receive a jury summons from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, you must respond as instructed. The summons provides essential details such as the date and location of service, dress code, and procedures for deferral or disqualification. If you are unable to serve on the scheduled date, you can request a deferral or excusal based on valid reasons. Failure to attend jury duty without proper excuse may lead to legal consequences, including fines or other penalties. You can handle requests for deferral or disqualification online through the court’s eResponse system.