If you have been charged with a DUI / OVI in Canal Winchester, Ohio, your case may be filed in the Canal Winchester Mayor’s Court. Canal Winchester straddles the county line between Franklin and Fairfield Counties. Depending on where you were arrested and what department cited you, your case could be filed in the Canal Winchester Mayor’s Court, the Franklin County Municipal Court or the Fairfield County Municipal Court.
CANAL WINCHESTER MAYOR’S COURT | DUI & CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
FAQS ABOUT THE CANAL WINCHESTER MAYOR’S COURT
HOW IS THE MAYOR’S COURT DIFFERENT FROM A COUNTY COURT?
The Canal Winchester Mayor’s Court, like all Ohio Mayor’s Courts, handles only criminal misdemeanor and traffic cases. The mayor’s court does not handle felonies, domestic violence cases, second offense OVI cases, and certain driving under suspension cases.
Further, the Canal Winchester Mayor’s Court is not a “court of record,” which means that there are no jury trials allowed (unlike a county court where you have the right to jury trial in most cases). If your case is filed in Canal Winchester and you would like a jury trial, our attorneys can help transfer your case to Franklin or Fairfield County where juries are available.
CAN I APPEAL MY CONVICTION IN THE CANAL WINCHESTER MAYOR’S COURT?
Yes. If you are convicted of an offense or plead guilty in the Canal Winchester Mayor’s Court, you have the right to appeal to the Franklin County Municipal Court or the Fairfield County Municipal Court (depending on where the offense occurred). However, you only have 10 days to appeal from the date of the conviction. So, contact an attorney ASAP if you are interested in an appeal.
IF I DECIDE TO HIRE RIDDELL LAW FOR MY CANAL WINCHESTER MAYOR’S COURT CASE, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
First, we will talk either on the phone or in person (or both). Our first initial consultation is free. If you decide to hire us, then we will start right away working on your case.
Depending on the type of ticket at issue, we can appear on your behalf at your initial appearance in court (your “arraignment”). Our attorneys will obtain and review any files or paperwork the prosecutor has on the case . For example, if you have been charged with an OVI, we would obtain and review the police report, any chemical tests, the video of the stop as well as any other documentation the prosecutor and officer have.
We will formulate a defense strategy, including examining details such as:
- Did the arresting officer properly issued all required warnings?
- Did he or she properly administer all of the roadside field sobriety tests?
- Was the stop lawful?
- If you or your car were searched, was the search lawful?
We will use this information to negotiate with the Canal Winchester prosecutor with the goal of a dismissal or reduction of the charges. If those negotiations fail, our attorneys will conduct motion hearings and a trial as necessary.
WHAT KINDS OF CASES DOES YOUR LAW FIRM HANDLE IN THE CANAL WINCHESTER MAYOR’S COURT?
Our firm defends clients facing all traffic and misdemeanor charges in the Canal Winchester Mayor’s Court. For example, we represent clients facing OVI, speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, drug possession, theft, and all other misdemeanor and traffic charges.
WHERE IS THE CANAL WINCHESTER MAYOR’S COURT?
The Court is located in the Canal Winchester Municipal Building at 36 S. High Street in Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110. If you need directions, click below.
IMPORTANT LINKS FOR CASES IN THE CANAL WINCHESTER MAYOR’S COURT
City of Canal Winchester Codified Ordinances
Canal Winchester Mayor’s Court Fines & Payment Schedule
To begin the process and discuss representation for your Canal Winchester case, call Attorney Doug Riddell directly at 614-361-2804. Because we know DUI charges rarely happen during 9:00-5:00 working hours, Mr. Riddell is there to take your call after hours, on evenings, weekends, and holidays.