Pickaway County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Pickaway County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Pickaway County.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
Sentencing in Pickaway County
In Pickaway County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
Pickaway County Criminal Court
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Pickaway 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.
Pickaway County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Pickaway County will take place at the Pickaway County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Pickaway County Criminal Court Locations.
Prosecutor in Pickaway County
In Pickaway County, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Pickaway County. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Ohio. For the most part, the prosecutor in Pickaway County has discretion to both decide whether to file charges and also negotiate a potential plea deal with the defendant.
Right to Jury Trial
For “Serious Crimes”, those that can have a potential penalty of 6 months in jail OR a minimum $500 penalty, the US Constitution guarantees a right to trial by jury. This is guaranteed by Article III of the Constitution and the 6th Amendment. The accused has the ability to waive their right to trial by jury.
Right to an attorney
The US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment ensures the right to an attorney regardless of whether or not you can afford one. In Pickaway County a public defender will be appointed by the judge if you cannot afford private representation.
What is a Plea Agreement?
A plea agreement is a deal made between the prosecution and the defendant in a case, where the defendant agrees to plea guilty to a particular charge in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor. In practice, more than 90% of criminal cases end with a plea agreement.
Where can I get help for my Pickaway County criminal case?
The 6th amendment of the United States Constitution provides a criminal defendant with the right to an attorney. As read in the miranda rights, this means that if a defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney a legal attorney will be appointed to the defendant to represent him at no cost to the defendant. This is often a public defender. In addition, the court clerk for Pickaway County will also be able to provide general information about a specific criminal case. The clerk can only provide information and is not an attorney so they cannot provide legal advice, only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about what the best options for are for your particular case.
Pickaway County Required Court Appearances
In Pickaway 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.
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.
What happens in Pickaway County at an arraignment?
In Pickaway County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.
Pickaway County Criminal Court Locations
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Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas – General and Domestic Relations Division
Address: 207 S Court St, PO Box 270, Circleville OH 43113
Phone: 740-474-5231 Fax: 740-477-3976 -
Circleville Municipal Court
Address: 151 E Franklin St, PO Box 128, Circleville OH 43113
Phone: 740-474-3171 Fax; 740-420-3041 -
Ashville Mayor’s Court
Address: 200 E Station St, Ashville OH 43103
Phone: 740-983-7171 Fax: 740-983-4703 -
Commercial Point Mayor’s Court
Address: 10 W Scioto St, PO Box 56, Commercial Point OH 43116
Phone: 614-877-9248 Fax: 614-877-4567 -
South Bloomfield Magistrate Court
Address: 5023 S Union St, South Bloomfield OH 43103
Phone: 740-983-2541 Fax: 740-983-4531