Painesville Municipal Court
We Can Help You Protect Your Rights
Facing criminal charges can be one of the most overwhelming and stressful experiences of your life. With the right legal representation, however you have the potential to navigate this difficult situation more effectively and improve your chances of a favorable outcome. A skilled attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explain your legal options, and develop a strategy tailored to your case. Even in situations where jail or prison time is a possibility, there are often ways to negotiate reduced penalties or alternative sentences depending on the specifics of your case and personal circumstances.
At Patituce & Associates, we offer more than 70 years of combined experience in criminal defense. This experience provides us a wealth of knowledge to draw from when building your defense. Our attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of cases, from minor traffic infractions to serious felony charges. We also have in-depth knowledge of the Painesville Municipal Court and its specific procedures, which gives us an edge when guiding clients through the legal process in this jurisdiction.
It's important to act quickly when you face criminal charges in Ohio. Call (440) 771-1175 to learn more about how Patituce & Associates can help.
About Painesville Municipal Court
The Painesville Municipal Court occupies a building that was originally the First church of Christ Scientist’s Church in 1917. The church owned the building until it sold the facility to the City of Painesville in 1968. Painesville developed the building into a municipal court upon the recommendation of the Bar Association, which cited an increase in litigation from car accidents on Buffalo Road, now called Route 20.
Today, the Painesville Municipal Court has jurisdiction over Painesville City and the townships of Painesville, Concord, Leroy, Madison, and Perry, as well as the villages of Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Madison, North Perry, and Perry. If you are cited for a traffic violation or arrested for a misdemeanor within these areas, the Painesville Municipal Court will adjudicate your legal matters.
- Address: 7 Richmond St., Painesville, OH 44077
- Phone number: (440) 392-5900
- Business hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday
- Court website: www.pmcourt.com
- Judges: Paul R. Malchesky
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 Painesville Municipal Court
Painesville Municipal Court handles all misdemeanor cases, ordinance violations, and traffic offenses that fall under its authority. It also deals with civil disputes involving amounts up to $15,000 and small claims cases for amounts of $6,000 or less.
Traffic Violations
Although traffic violations aren't classified as criminal offenses, they can still result in significant penalties. Unpaid fines from traffic tickets can lead to financial and legal difficulties, and accumulating too many points on your driving record may result in a license suspension. Having skilled legal assistance can make a difference when challenging an unfair ticket and seeking a more favorable resolution.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are generally considered less severe offenses, but they can still result in harsh consequences such as jail time of up to one year and steep fines. If you are facing unfair misdemeanor charges, having knowledgeable legal representation is crucial in protecting your rights. With the right defense, it may be possible to reduce or even dismiss the charges against you.
Felonies
While felony cases are not tried in the Painesville Municipal Court, the court holds preliminary hearings for felony charges. These hearings are conducted to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to refer the case to a higher trial court for further adjudication.
Recent Case Results
Achieving favorable outcomes for a client can take various forms, depending on the specific circumstances. Although the ideal results often involve dropped charges or an acquittal, proactive negotiation can also lead to beneficial results, such as reduced charges or lighter sentencing, especially when facing potentially severe penalties.
Here are some notable case outcomes we achieved for our clients:
- OVI Charges Dismissed: In City of Oberlin v. Barber, our client was stopped for speeding. The officer unexpectedly asked our client to perform a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer, ultimately leading to a OVI arrest. We effectively argued for the dismissal of all charges, and the trial court ultimately agreed to drop everything except the speeding violation.
- Reduced Penalties: In U.S. v. Poling, our client was facing federal charges related to child pornography, which typically carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, we successfully advocated for a more favorable sentence of five years.
- Case Dismissed: In Cleveland v. Al-Nazer, our client faced DUI charges and was additionally accused of improperly handling a firearm. We successfully demonstrated that the trooper engaged in misconduct and other violations, leading to the dismissal of the case.
- Charges Dismissed: In State v. Bittner in Lorain County, our client was arrested for drug trafficking. Through our advocacy, they were able to avoid severe penalties by participating in a first-offender program.
- Evidence Suppressed, State Lost Appeal: In City of Cleveland v. Oles, our client was pulled over for an alleged illegal lane change and arrested for DUI. We argued that the trooper employed improper investigative methods that violated our client’s rights, resulting in a favorable trial outcome.
The most severe outcome of your criminal charges isn’t guaranteed. At Patituce & Associates, we offer the legal support necessary to safeguard your rights and prevent unjust treatment. If you need assistance contesting a traffic violation or criminal charges at Painesville Municipal Court, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Call (440) 771-1175 today or send us a message to request an initial 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.
