FAQs • Reynoldsburg, OH • CivicEngage

Will the Mayor hear my case?: No, in our court, cases are heard by a Magistrate. In accordance with Ohio law, the Mayor has appointed an attorney and/or a former judge as Magistrate to hear and determine prosecutions and criminal causes that come before the court and that are within the jurisdiction of the mayor’s court, as set forth in section 1905.01 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Magistrate has general power over the cases that are heard, including, but not limited to, the power and authority to decide the prosecution or cause, enter judgment, and impose a sentence.

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Court - What to Expect

1. Where do I go first?: When you have been summoned to appear in court or have chosen to appear to dispute your charge(s), you must appear on the date and time when you are scheduled. You first check-in at the Clerk of Court’s window and you will be instructed where to go and who you need to see next.

2. Do I need a lawyer to represent me?: You are always entitled to have an attorney represent you at any stage of the proceedings in this court. That decision is only yours to make. You are not required to have an attorney in our Mayor's court and a prosecutor will speak with you alone if you so choose. If at any point you decide you would feel more comfortable with attorney representation, you may request a continuance to obtain one. Our court does not provide public defenders. If you wish to obtain one, you may have your case transferred to the county in which the violation occurred so that you can apply to have a public defender assigned to represent you.

3. Will the Mayor hear my case?: No, in our court, cases are heard by a Magistrate. In accordance with Ohio law, the Mayor has appointed an attorney and/or a former judge as Magistrate to hear and determine prosecutions and criminal causes that come before the court and that are within the jurisdiction of the mayor’s court, as set forth in section 1905.01 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Magistrate has general power over the cases that are heard, including, but not limited to, the power and authority to decide the prosecution or cause, enter judgment, and impose a sentence.

4. Is the Magistrate’s order final?: In Ohio, if you wish to object to the Magistrate’s decision, you have ten (10) days from the date of your conviction to do so (including weekends). An appeal from the mayor’s court to the county court shall proceed as a trial de novo as set forth in section 1905.25 if the Ohio Revised Code. Clerk of Court staff has the forms necessary for you to file a trial de novo.

5. What should I bring with me to court?: If possible, please bring your photo I.D. and the original citation that was issued to you. If this is your initial appearance and you are not represented by counsel, you will speak with a prosecutor who will inform you if they need any further documentation. If so, you will be given time to bring in what you need.

6. How long should I expect to be at court?: Reynoldsburg Mayor’s Court only holds hearings on non-holiday Thursdays. Defendants are placed in line to speak with a prosecutor and/or to go before the Magistrate when they check in on a first come first-served basis. Court staff is not in a position to give anyone a set length of time before they are called. Please plan on being here for a couple of hours if you are scheduled during the morning session.

7. What should I wear and how do I conduct myself?: All persons appearing before a mayor's court should wear respectful clothing. Defendants and other members of the public shall refrain from talking during the proceedings, except when addressing the Magistrate, testifying, or conferring with counsel. All persons participating in the proceedings shall refrain from using foul or abusive language. Smoking, eating, and other activities that detract from the proceeding are prohibited.