Cheviot Mayor Court
Cheviot City Hall
3814 Harrison Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45211
Phone Number: 513-661-2700
Fax: 513-612-2128
Cheviot Mayor’s Court
Cheviot is a city located in the west-central area of Hamilton County, Ohio. The most recent U.S. Census reported Cheviot’s populations to be approximately 8,375 residents. Mayor courts in Ohio are only authorized to handle minor crimes such as criminal traffic infractions and some misdemeanors.
Mayor court in Cheviot takes place during the second and fourth Monday of every month, with the exception of November, and December 2017. Cheviot mayor’s court begins at 6:00 p.m. The Mayor designates an individual to preside as magistrate over Cheviot’s mayor court. Decisions at the Mayor’s court may be appealed to the Municipal Court, or if the defendant requests a jury trial, then the case may be removed to the Hamilton County municipal court.
Cheviot Mayor’s Court Lawyer
If you or someone you know was arrested for a minor traffic offense or a misdemeanor criminal offense in Hamilton County, specifically in Cheviot, then contact an attorney to represent your interests in Mayor Court.
Our attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm understand the intricacies of Mayor Courts, we regularly practice in those courts, fighting for the rights of those accused of OVI, assault, traffic offenses and other misdemeanors.
Call (513) 399-6289 now to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you in an Ohio Mayor’s Court.
Our attorneys are accessible and available, ready to meet your need. Our clients can call, text, or email. We are dedicated to providing the best possible defense.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mayor’s Court
Unlike most court systems, mayor’s court tends to be a more informal process. The smaller the town, city, or village, the more informal the mayor court process is.
It takes place in the evening so many defendants do not have to miss work to attend the hearings. Mayor courts have many of the same procedural advantages of county courts without the need for a judge, jury, and formal court recording.
Mayor’s courts, however, have been a source of corruption throughout parts of Ohio. Some towns have been accused of being “speed traps” that issue a large number of unnecessary citations. The opportunity to be taken advantage of is the reason why having an experienced criminal defense attorney at mayor’s court is so important.
Considering that Ohio Mayor’s courts are different from the typical courtroom experience, it is still important to understand the rights that you have as a U.S. and Ohio Citizen in mayor courtrooms. Thus, alleged offenders should keep in mind the following:
- That you have the right to legal counsel;
- That you have a right to know the nature of the charge(s) against you;
- That you have a right to know the identity of the person filing charges against you;
- That you have the right to see and read the complaint that was filed against you; and
- That you still have the right to a jury trial.
Types of Cases Heard in Cheviot Mayor’s Court
The Ohio Supreme Court only authorizes certain types of cases to be heard in an Ohio Mayor’s court. The types of cases that Cheviot mayor’s court cases may hear include the following:
- Traffic Violations – which generally includes the typical moving violations for speeding, failure to stop for a red light, and right of way violations.
- Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (OVI) – which involve alleged offenders who have been charged with OVI under ORC § 4511.19 or under the Cheviot City Code. OVI charges in Cheviot also include minors being charged with underage drinking.
- Misdemeanors – which generally involve minor misdemeanors such as public gambling, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, curfew violations etc…. Mayor’s courts are not authorized to hear certain types of misdemeanor cases such as those involving domestic violence or protective orders.
Cheviot Mayor’s Court Penalties
Consequences from a conviction in Cheviot Mayor’s court depend on the classification of the crime that the alleged offender was charged with. Charges handed down in mayor court will only range from a minor misdemeanor, which does not include jail time, to a first-degree misdemeanor.
The maximum penalties for each offense are as follows:
- First-degree misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 fines;
- Second-degree misdemeanor – Up to 90 days in jail and up to $750 fines;
- Third-degree misdemeanor – Up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 fines;
- Fourth-degree misdemeanor – Up to 30 days in jail and up to $250 fines; and
- Minor misdemeanor – Up to $150 fines.
Remember that OVI convictions carry additional penalties, however, and an offender could end up with his or her driver’s licenses being suspended or being required to participate in a mandatory driver’s intervention program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheviot Mayor’s Court
What is the difference between Cheviot Mayor’s Court and Hamilton County Municipal Court?
Hamilton County Municipal Court is what is considered a “court of record” where individuals can have their case tried before a jury. Moreover, there are limits to the types of cases that mayor’s courts may hear, whereas Hamilton County Municipal Court has broader jurisdiction.
Do I have a right to an attorney?
Only when the charge can result in jail-time does an individual have a right to an attorney. If he or she needs time to obtain an attorney otherwise, then the Cheviot Mayor’s Court magistrate will grant a continuance for the alleged offender to be provided counsel or to retain counsel.
Can I have a jury trial in Mayor’s Court?
There are no jury trials in Mayor’s court. You can, however, request a jury trial and your case will be removed to Hamilton County Municipal Court.
Find a Lawyer for Cheviot Mayor’s Court in Hamilton County, OH
If you or someone you know has been arrested in Cheviot in Hamilton County, OH, understanding your rights in mayor’s court is important. Speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney at Joslyn Law Firm for more information about how an attorney can help you navigate the often confusing process of mayor’s court.
Call (513) 399-6289 now for a free, no obligations consultation that will allow our Cheviot Mayor’s Court attorney to provide an honest and complete evaluation of your case.
This article was last updated on Monday, July 31, 2017.
