Franklin County Common Pleas Court
If you or someone you love was charged with a crime being handled out of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the time to act is now.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Common Pleas Court handles the county’s most serious cases, including felonies that put severe penalties and prison time on the table. Whether you or your loved one have yet to be arraigned, have a pretrial hearing on the docket, or need immediate support to build a defense, our award-winning team at Patituce & Associates can help.
About the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
The Franklin County Common Pleas Courthouse was built in 2010. It houses 20 trial courtrooms, 10 magistrate courtrooms, arraignment and ceremonial courtrooms, judges’ chambers, and several “settlement suites” that are used to facilitate the resolution of cases without tying up courtrooms, a critical necessity for a court that manages over 15,000 cases a year, most of which come from its felony caseload.
As a landmark courthouse and the first LEED Gold certified building in Ohio, the Franklin County Common Pleas Court is known for its impressive architecture and glass façade.
- Address: 345 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone number: (614) 525-3600
- Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Court website: Franklin County Common Pleas Court Website
- Judges: Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judiciary
We understand that your specific situation requires individualized attention, and we are dedicated to providing just that.
No Case is Hopeless
We Don't Back Down. Ever.
Explore some of our recent wins.
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Case Dismissed CLEVELAND V. AL-NAZER (2012 TRC 040781)
Our client was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs, or alcohol.
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Not Guilty At Trial ROCKY RIVER V. D.F.
Client was charged with domestic violence against his wife.
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Plea and Record Expunged STATE V. BAILEY, CUYAHOGA
Client was accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of property.
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Charges Dismissed State v. Beckwith, Cuyahoga County
Student charged with the manufacturing of ecstasy.
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Case Dismissed STATE V. J.S. (A JUVENILE) YOUNGSTOWN
Local counsel pushed for a plea to one of the sex related charges.
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Acquittal State v. Tevin Biles
Client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party.
Types of Cases Heard at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court
The Franklin County Common Pleas Court has a General Division that hears all felony cases and civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $15,000. The court also has separate divisions for domestic and juvenile matters.
The court's countywide jurisdiction, established by the Ohio Constitution, ensures its authority remains consistent across Franklin County. Unlike the boundaries of county, municipal, and mayor’s courts, which are regulated by statute and can be modified, the jurisdiction of the Common Pleas Court cannot be altered without a constitutional amendment. This means it serves all cities throughout Franklin County, including Columbus, Worthington, Gahanna, Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Pickerington, Whitehall, Reynoldsburg, and Grove City.
Some of the matters handled in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court include:
- Felonies: The court handles all serious criminal offenses that carry potential sentences of more than one year in prison, as defined by Ohio Revised Code § 2901.02. Felonies prosecuted at this court may include violent crimes like murder, assault, and weapons offenses, various sex crimes, robbery, fraud, and any other criminal offense that District Attorneys have elected to prosecute as felonies.
- Arraignments: Arraignments at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court are held three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:30 p.m.—with adjustments made if holidays fall on these days. During arraignments, defendants are formally charged, bail is set, and counsel may be appointed. The court ensures that criminal cases are scheduled no more than 120 days after arraignment.
- Extra-Jurisdictional Arraignments: If a defendant is held in Franklin County under a warrant from another jurisdiction, the duty judge or magistrate at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court will set bail. In cases where no bond is requested by the issuing jurisdiction, the defendant may be released on a recognizance bond, provided essential information is available from the issuing jurisdiction.
- Pre-trial Hearings: Pre-trial hearings are a critical part of the court’s process, where motions are filed, evidence is reviewed, and plea negotiations may occur. These hearings set the stage for the trial, ensuring both sides are prepared.
- Probation (Community Control): The court oversees probation, also known as Community Control, as an alternative to prison sentences. Probation involves the court-sanctioned supervision of individuals within the community, allowing them to serve all or some of their sentences outside of incarceration while adhering to specific conditions set by the court.
Recent Results
With decades of success in the criminal arena, we’ve amassed countless victories for clients. This includes significant wins in high-stakes criminal cases handled in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court and other state and federal courts across Ohio. Some examples include:
- ACQUITAL: Triple Murder/Felonious Assault. Our client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party where multiple victims were struck, and three people were killed. We were able to show that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence to tie our client to the shooting.
- CASE DISMISSED: Drug Trafficking. Our client, a student with no criminal history, was charged with manufacturing ecstasy. Through aggressive representation and enrollment in a treatment program, we were able to secure a complete dismissal of charges.
- NO PRISON TIME: Federal Bankruptcy Fraud. Our client was charged with federal bankruptcy fraud and faced a significant prison sentence under the federal sentencing guidelines. We were able to secure house arrest and probation only.
- NOT GUILTY: Felonious Assault/Attempted Murder. Our client was charged in connection to a stabbing of an individual during a fight. He faced over a decade of prison, and prosecutors offered a plea of three to five years behind bars. At trial, we were able to show the prosecution’s witnesses were unreliable, had motives, and that some even assisted in the assault, which ultimately helped us secure a Not Guilty verdict.
Patituce & Associates is an award-winning trial practice with a reputation for providing strategic, committed, and experienced counsel to folks facing life-altering criminal charges.
If you have a criminal matter being handled out of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, our talented attorneys are here to help. Call (440) 771-1175 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation.
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We Know the Legal System
Our criminal defense attorneys understand the legal system and local courts, helping you navigate your case efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
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We Give You Peace of Mind
Being charged with a crime is overwhelming. With our team on your side, you can focus on your life while an experienced professional handles your defense.
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We Fight For Your Rights
Police and prosecutors sometimes push the limits of the law. We work to protect your rights and prevent unconstitutional evidence from being used against you.
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We Build A Strategic Defense
Fighting criminal charges requires a strong strategy. Our experienced team builds a defense tailored to the specific facts of your case.
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We Work to Mitigate Consequences
One of the main benefits of hiring our Ohio criminal defense attorneys is our ability to help reduce the potential consequences of a conviction.
