Greene County Criminal Court

Greene County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Greene County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Greene County.

Jury Deliberation

In a jury trial in Greene County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?

The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.

Greene County Criminal Court

Greene County Criminal Court

Arraignments in Greene County

During an arraignment in Greene County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Greene County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Greene County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.

What is the Burden of Proof?

The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.

Appealing a Criminal Conviciton

A defendant may appeal a criminal conviction to an appellate court. In an appeal, the actual trial is not redone, but the appellate court hears arguments that the criminal case was not handled in a legal manner at the original criminal court. The appellate court can either uphold the conviction, or determine that errors were made and may request a retrial, a resentencing of the defendant or that the charges be dismissed.

Greene County Required Court Appearances

In Greene County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.

If guilty, who sentences the defendant?

If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.

Can I request a Plea Agreement?

In Greene County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.

Who can help me in Greene County?

For general information about your case the Greene County court clerk will be able to provide legal information about your specific criminal case. Legal information is not legal advice though, the court clerk will only be able to provide information about your case, like date/time of hearings what will occur at the hearing and what you may be required to do in the hearing. They cannot provide advice about what you should do or what the best legal options may be for your particular case. Only an attorney can provide legal advice and this is your best place for information about your specific criminal proceeding. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney to represent you, a judge will appoint an attorney to represent you, this is most often a public defender.

The Right to Trial by Jury

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as “Serious Crimes”. The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.

Greene County Criminal Court locations

Criminal proceedings take place in the Greene County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.

Who is the prosecutor for Greene County?

Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Greene County criminal cases will either be a representative of Greene County or a representative from Ohio. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.

Greene County Criminal Court Locations

  • Greene County Court of Common Pleas – Domestic Relations Division

    Address: 45 N Detroit St, Xenia OH 45385
    Phone: 937-562-5290 Fax: 937-562-5309

  • Greene County Court of Common Pleas – General Division

    Address: 45 N Detroit St, Xenia OH 45385
    Phone: 937-562-5290 Fax: 937-562-5309

  • Greene County Court of Common Pleas – Juvenile Division

    Address: 2100 Greene Way Blvd, Xenia OH 45385
    Phone: 937-562-4000 Fax: 937-562-4010

  • Greene County Court of Common Pleas – Probate Division

    Address: 45 N Detroit St, Xenia OH 45385
    Phone: 937-562-5280 Fax: 937-562-5316

  • Fairborn Municipal Court

    Address: 1148 Kauffman Ave, Fairborn OH 45324
    Phone: 937-754-3040 Fax: 937-879-4422

  • Xenia Municipal Court

    Address: 101 N Detroit St, Xenia OH 45385
    Phone: 937-376-7290 Fax: 937-376-7288

  • Yellow Springs Mayor’s Court

    Address: 100 Dayton St, Yellow Springs OH 45387
    Phone: 937-767-3400 Fax: 937-767-9281

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