It depends.  There are pros and cons to each, depending on your situation.  For example, the Worthington Mayor’s Court is not a “court of record,” which means that you cannot have a jury trial there.  If you are charged with a DUI in Worthington and would like a jury trial, then your case will be transferred to the Franklin County Municipal Court.  In fact, you can opt to transfer or appeal your case to the Franklin County Municipal Court at any time for any reason.

On the other hand, there are some advantages to having your case heard in the Worthington Mayor’s Court. For example, a hearing in a mayor’s court is generally more informal, the Worthington Mayor’s Court is in session in the evening after work hours, and the court may be more conveniently located for you.

Talking to an experienced Worthington criminal defense attorney early on in your case is important to make sure that you can get the best possible outcome given the circumstances of your case.

IF I DECIDE TO HIRE RIDDELL LAW FOR MY WORTHINGTON MAYOR’S COURT CASE, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

For each and every client, our first initial consultation is free.  If you decide to hire us after that initial consultation, then the real work begins.  

Depending on the type of ticket at issue, the potential penalties involved, and your schedule, we will meet either in person or discuss on the phone the details of your case.   We can appear on your behalf at your initial appearance in court and can help make arrangements if you have any work or other conflicts.  

After your first court appearance (which is called your “arraignment”), Mr. Riddell will continue to gather information about the facts of your case.  If you have been charged with a DUI, for example, we will examine all aspects of your OVI case.  This includes whether the arresting officer properly issued all required warnings, properly administered all of the roadside field sobriety tests, and performed the search, tests and arrest lawfully.

If negotiations with the Worthington prosecutor fail, Attorney Doug Riddell will conduct motion hearings and a trial as necessary in the Franklin County Municipal Court to ensure the best possible outcome.

I GOT A DUI IN WORTHINGTON.  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

In the video below, Attorney Douglas Riddell explains further the procedure you can expect if you have been charged with a DUI in the Worthington Mayor’s Court.

DOES YOUR LAW FIRM HANDLE OTHER MISDEMEANOR AND TRAFFIC CHARGES IN THE WORTHINGTON MAYOR’S COURT?

Yes.  Our firm defends clients facing all traffic and misdemeanor charges in the Worthington Mayor’s Court.  For example, we represent clients facing speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, drug possession, theft, and all other misdemeanor and traffic charges. Examples include:

303.01  WORTHINGTON COMPLIANCE WITH LAWFUL ORDER OF POLICE OFFICER; FLEEING.

• This charge is similar to “Fleeing and Eluding,” and it is the failure to stop or remain stopped after an officer orders you to do so.

303.09  WORTHINGTON PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION TO POLICE OFFICER.

• “No person shall knowingly present, display or orally communicate a false name, social security number or date of birth to a law enforcement officer.”

333.01 WORTHINGTON DRIVING OR PHYSICAL CONTROL WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.

• This is the Worthington section relating to “drunk driving.” No person shall operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

333.02  OPERATION IN WILLFUL OR WANTON DISREGARD OF SAFETY.

• This charge defines “reckless driving” in Worthington. It is usually a more serious offense than other traffic charges such as speeding. People charged with “reckless driving” are alleged to display a disregard for the rules of the road.

335.07  DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION OR LICENSE RESTRICTION.

• If a driver’slicense has been suspended and he or she is charged with this offense, the driver faces up to six months in jail plus a fine.

509.03 DISORDERLY CONDUCT; INTOXICATION IN WORTHINGTON.

• Typically, disorderly conduct makes it a crime to bedrunk in public, or if an officer believes a defendant has “disturbed the peace.”

513.03  DRUG ABUSE; CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OR USE.

• In Worthington, this is the crime of having one or more illegal drugsin one’s possession, either for personal use, distribution, sale or otherwise.  In Worthington, it is illegal to possess equipment that is used for making, using, or concealing drugs. 

 525.07  OBSTRUCTING OFFICIAL BUSINESS.

• In Worthington, it is a crime to hamper or impede a police officer or other public officialin the performance of his or her official This charge encompasses a wide range of acts, including, for example: Lying to a police officer.

541.03  CRIMINAL DAMAGING OR ENDANGERING.

• It is a crime in Worthington to knowingly or recklessly cause, or create a substantial risk of physical harm to someone else’s property without that person’s consent.

545.05  WORTHINGTON PETTY THEFT.

• Worthington defines theft as purposely depriving the owner of property or services, or purposely exerting control over either the property or services of another without consent.

515.03  DRUG PARAPHERNALIA IN WORTHINGTON.

• In Worthington, it is illegal to possess equipment that is used for making, using, or concealing drugs. 

Click here for more information about our Worthington traffic ticket defense attorneys.

WHERE IS THE WORTHINGTON MAYOR’S COURT?

The Court is located in the Worthington Municipal Building at 6550 N. High Street in Worthington, Ohio.   The Worthington Mayor’s Court is generally in session beginning at 6 p.m. each Thursday.  If you need directions, click below.

View Larger Map

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR CASES IN THE WORTHINGTON MAYOR’S COURT

City of Worthington Codified Ordinances

FAQs About Cases in the Worthington Mayor’s Court

Fines / Rate Chart for Worthington Mayors’ Court

Local Worthington Mayor’s Court Rules

Potential Maximum Penalties in the Worthington Mayor’s Court

Rights and Plea Descriptions in the Worthington Mayor’s Court

To begin the process and discuss representation for your Worthington, Ohio DUI / OVI, 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.