Traffic Court

Traffic Arraignment is the first opportunity for a person to appear in court to answer to a traffic charge or allegation with a plea. A person charged with a traffic offense is referred to as the "defendant" and is afforded the same rights as anyone charged with a criminal offense.

Traffic Arraignment

What to Expect at the Hearing

  • At arrival, parties must check in with the Bailiff in the courtroom. *A list of defendants with the case number is posted outside each courtroom.
  • If the charge carries a possible penalty of jail and the Defendant meets the financial guidelines, they can speak with the Public Defender.

More about What to Expect

What to Bring

Plea Options

  • Guilty - Admission of guilt to the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint.
  • No Contest - No admission of guilt, but an admission of the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint, along with any additional information that may be provided to the Court by the prosecutor.
  • Not Guilty - Denial of guilt and/or a denial of the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint.

A defendant may request a continuance of their arraignment to a later date by filing a motion and entry for continuance at least ten (10) days before the scheduled court date.

More about Plea Options

FAQ

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

  • If you do not waive your right to a speedy trial, the trial will be set within ten (10) days.
  • If 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 your case carries a possibility of jail, you can request a jury trial and a pretrial will be set in front of a judge.
  • If you have 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.

Is there any way to handle BMV matters without coming to the courthouse?

All traffic cases are handled only through the court. However, the BMV has Express Kiosks in Franklin County, where you can renew or print an existing vehicle registration, get a duplicate registration or ticket, or check for valid e-check emissions. Those kiosks can be found at:

  • 5050 Hamilton Rd, Columbus, 43230
  • 100 Polaris Parkway, Westerville, Ohio 43082
  • 150 West Sycamore Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  • 3481 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213
  • 990 Morse Road, Suite A, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • 1375 Chambers Rd, Columbus, OH 43212
  • 1661 Hilliard Rome Rd, Columbus, OH 43026
  • 2474 Stringtown Rd, Grove City, Ohio 43123
  • 717 E 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43211

Location & Hours

Location

Franklin County Municipal Court
375 S. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Courtrooms

1A: Last names A-K

1B: Last names L-Z

Hours

Monday - Friday
Doors open at 8:15 AM

Resources

Daily List of Arraignments

Request an Interpreter

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