Continuances

Motions to continue a case must be filed five (5) business days before the scheduled court date. The motion to continue must specify the reason for the request, whether the request is agreed or opposed, and the length of time needed. If the request is granted, then the case will be continued within the time frame set by the Rules of Superintendence.

Decorum

All parties are expected to check in with the Bailiff upon arrival. Parties are expected to show respect for each other, the Court, and staff. The Court will not tolerate disrespectful behavior from any party. Parties must arrive on time and prepared to move the case forward. Counsel should ask permission to approach the Court as well as witnesses.

Motions & Briefs

Motions are to be submitted timely and served on opposing parties. Motions may be ruled on without an oral hearings unless requested. All motions should be submitted to the Court at least one (1) week before any scheduled court dates. Parties should deliver an extra copy to chambers.

General

For specific questions related to a case parties should first contact the prosecutor assigned to the case. 

The general office number for the Columbus City Attorney is (614) 645-6232. For cases filed by Franklin County, the general office number for the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office is (614) 525-3520.

For general questions or concerns regarding court procedure or your personal court appearance, contact the Court at (614) 645-8742. However, please note that the Court cannot discuss the details of the case directly with individual parties. 

Motions & Briefs

Motions are to be submitted timely and served on opposing parties. Motions may be ruled on without oral hearing unless requested. All motions should be submitted to the Court at least one (1) week before any scheduled court dates. Parties should deliver an extra copy to chambers.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

The purpose of the initial status conference is to ensure that all parties understand the nature of the alleged violations. The parties and the Court will then work together to establish a reasonable timeline to address the alleged violations. The case will then be set for a follow-up status conference or set for a hearing in front of the Judge.

Other

The Environmental Division encourages defendants to seek assistance when needed. View Additional Resources  

General

Environmental arraignments are held on Wednesdays. If no resolution is reached at the arraignment, the Court will grant one 30 day arraignment continuance or the defendant or counsel for the defendant may enter a demand for jury/court trial. The Court will then schedule the case on the Judges assigned docket.

Motions & Briefs

Discovery between the parties should be exchanged timely. The Court encourages the parties to exchange discovery prior to the scheduled pretrial.

Motions are to be filed timely and served on opposing parties. All motions are to be submitted to the Court at least five (5) business days before the trial date. Parties should deliver an extra copy to chambers.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Defendants are to be present at all pretrial hearings unless excused by the Court. In order to excuse a defendant's appearance, the proper motion must be completed, signed by all parties, and filed with the Court two days prior to the scheduled pretrial. Counsel should be prepared to discuss the case with the prosecutor in an attempt to resolve the case.

Other

All pleas will be on the record. The Court will consider any mitigation and sentencing per-conditions before sentencing.

General

All parties should be on time and prepared to start on time. All pretrial issues should be resolved between the parties before the start of trial.

Dates

Jury trial dates will be set by the Bailiff. A trial date continuance may be granted providing it is within rule, no objections from opposing parties, and preferably the request is made prior to trial date.

Jury Procedures

All questioning during voir dire will be directed to the jury pool as a whole, rather than exclusively to seated jurors. Jurors may be permitted to take notes and are permitted to inspect exhibits that have been admitted during deliberation in the jury room. Jurors will be permitted to ask questions, in writing, during deliberations in accordance with the instructions of the Judge. Counsel is permitted to talk with jurors after the verdict is read, upon permission of the Court.