Arraignment Court

The first appearance in Court is called an Arraignment Hearing in which the Defendant is provided an opportunity to plead guilty, no contest, or not guilty before a Judge or Magistrate.

Based on the plea, the Judge or Magistrate may decide a sentence that day or assign the case to a Judge for a future hearing date. According to Local Rule 8.01(PDF, 187KB), defendants with multiple cases are assigned to the same Judge for continuity. The citation, applicable proof of insurance, and/or documentation of any classes that have been taken should be presented at the arraignment. If found guilty, the Defendant should be prepared to pay the fines and costs or ask for additional time to pay.

Types and Locations of Arraignments

Criminal and OVI Arraignments

Out of jail OVI, criminal misdemeanor or felony initial appearance, and preliminary hearings(PDF, 248KB) are held in Courtroom 4C Monday through Friday - doors open at 8:30 AM.
In custody arraignments are held in Courtroom 4D Monday through Saturday - doors open at 9 AM.

It is against Ohio law for a bail bond agent to approach any person while in Franklin County Municipal Court for the purposes of soliciting bail bond services. If you are approached, please file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Insurance.

The Ohio Department of Insurance regulates and licenses bail bond agents and monitors their compliance with Ohio law. Read more about Surety Bail Bond and Rule 3901-1-66 concerning Surety Bail Bond Agent conduct.

Environmental Arraignments

All defendants with environmental cases who are not in jail

Environmental Arraignments are held in Courtroom 15A on Wednesdays.

Learn more about Environmental Court

Traffic Arraignments

All misdemeanor traffic cases except OVI charges for defendants not in jail

Last names between A-K are held in Courtroom 1A Monday through Friday - doors open at 8:15 AM.
Last names between L-Z are held in Courtroom 1B Monday through Friday - doors open at 8:15 AM.

Learn more about Traffic Court

FAQ

If I plead not guilty, how soon will my case be set for trial?

If you are charged with a minor misdemeanor and you do not waive your right to a speedy trial, the trial will be set in ten (10) days.

If you are charged with a minor misdemeanor and you waive your right to a speedy trial, the trial will be set out two (2) weeks or longer.

What happens after the arraignment?

If the case is a misdemeanor of the 4th degree (M4)or higher, you can request a jury trial and a pretrial hearing will be scheduled in front of a judge.

If the case is a minor misdemeanor, you can only request a court trial (trial in front of a judge and not a jury) and your case will be set for trial.