Decorum

Proper courtroom etiquette must be observed. No hats, food, drinks or use of cellular phones will be permitted when court is in session. Please make all reasonable accommodations for children, as they should not be exposed to courtroom proceedings, if possible. Appropriate attire is required for litigants and attorneys. Professionalism and respect toward the court, opposing counsel, parties, and witnesses will be expected at all times.

Continuances

The Court will grant continuances if reasonable. Every effort to agree on a continuance prior to submission to the Court should be made. Requests for continuances shall be submitted to the Court as soon as practicable, but at a minimum, five (5) days prior to the court date. A proposed entry shall be submitted.

Motions & Briefs

Parties shall follow all local rules and the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure in submitting motions for summary judgment and other pretrial motions. Motions are to be submitted timely with a proposed entry and served upon opposing counsel. Motions may be ruled upon without a hearing, unless a hearing is specifically requested. All motions will be reviewed and decided upon in a timely manner.

If a motion requires an evidentiary hearing, a hearing will be promptly scheduled. Counsel and parties shall arrive at the evidentiary hearing ready to present evidence in an orderly fashion. All exhibits or evidentiary materials should be pre-marked with exhibit stickers.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

For most civil cases, the Court will refer the matter to mediation shortly after it is assigned. If mediation is unsuccessful, the case will be set for pretrial. Additional pretrials may be scheduled by the Court if necessary.

Other

Civil trials will be conducted on dates identified by the Court as "civil days."  Counsel and parties are expected to arrive with all witnesses, exhibits and demonstrative evidence ready to be presented. If applicable, counsel and parties should exchange a list of witnesses and exhibits prior to trial and all exhibits should be pre-marked with an exhibit sticker. All courtroom technology must be tested prior to the start of trial and ready to use once trial has commenced. 

Requests for continuances of trial will be granted only where reasonable.

General

Criminal defendants are to be present for a plea unless counsel has a court-approved Plea in Absentia form. Parties shall prepare a "Notice of Rights and Waiver of Jury" form prior to plea. If a defendant wishes to enter a plea pro se, the defendant must complete the "Waiver of an Attorney" form.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Criminal and traffic cases are automatically set for pretrial after a jury demand is filed. Counsel shall be prepared to address any matters at pretrial, including, plea negotiations, bond modification and/or conditions of bond. If the defendant is incarcerated, every effort shall be made to comply with Marsy's law prior to the hearing.

Motions & Briefs

Parties shall follow all local rules and the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure in submitting motions to the Court. Hearing dates for motions will not be scheduled until a motion is filed.

The Court will entertain motions for bond modification or warrant set-asides only on the record, in open court, and with prior notice to the non-movant. All counsel, defendant, and the prosecuting witness (if applicable), shall be present.

Discovery

Discovery must be requested prior to the pretrial date via the Columbus City Attorney's Matrix application. Contact the courtroom prosecutor directly to discuss any issues with discovery.

Other

Criminal trials will commence on Monday afternoons beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Court will usually recess for Wednesday (to hold its LINC docket), but resume trial if necessary on Thursday.

Counsel and parties are expected to arrive with all witnesses, exhibits and demonstrative evidence ready to be presented. If applicable, counsel and parties should exchange a list of witnesses and exhibits prior to trial and all exhibits should be pre-marked with an exhibit sticker. All courtroom technology must be tested prior to the start of trial and ready to use once trial has commenced.

Requests for continuances of trial will be granted only where reasonable.