|  Q: How are Common Pleas Judges chosen?
A: Common Pleas Judges are elected to serve six-year terms.
Q: What hours is the court open? A: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Contact the Court directly for holiday hours.
Q: How many Judges does Common Pleas Court have? A: We currently have 17 Judges in the General Division.
Q: Do all common pleas court trials have juries? A: There are some cases that are tried directly to a judge or a 3-judge panel rather than to a jury.
Q: How do I get a civil protection stalking order? A: Please refer to the CSPO page.
Q: How do I get a transcript?
Q: How do I arrange for a court tour for my students/class? A: Contact the Stacy Worthington, Director of Court Support Services, at 614-525-2529.
Q: Can I bring my cell phone or pager to court? A: You may bring your cell phone or pager to Court, however they must be turned off prior to entering any courtroom.
Q: What is the address and phone number of the court? A: Franklin County Common Pleas Court
345 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Assignment 614-525-3453
Q: How do I get to the courthouse?
Q: Where are the magistrate’s offices? A: Common Pleas Courthouse
345 South High Street,
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Magistrates
Q: How can I find out which Judge is assigned to a case?
Q: What should I wear to court? A: Proper attire is expected at all court proceedings. Shorts and/or tank tops are not permitted. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any courtroom.
Q: How can I find out if a motion, order or entry has been filed for a particular case?
Q: Can I come and watch a trial? A: Courtrooms and procedures are open to the public. However, certain subject matters may be inappropriate for small children and younger adults. Discretion should be taken in these instances.
Q: Can the court recommend an attorney or law firm? A: The Columbus Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for both civil and criminal actions; the Legal Aid Society of Columbus will sometimes represent persons who cannot afford a lawyer in a civil action; and the Court can appoint a public defender for those who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters.
Q: How can I find a lawyer? A: The Columbus Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for both civil and criminal actions; the Legal Aid Society of Columbus will sometimes represent persons who cannot afford a lawyer in a civil action; and the Court can appoint a public defender for those who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters.
Q: Where is the clerk’s office located?
Q: Can the court give me legal advice? A: Judges and court staff are not permitted to provide legal advice. You should contact your attorney if possible. The Columbus Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for both civil and criminal actions; the Legal Aid Society of Columbus will sometimes represent persons who cannot afford a lawyer in a civil action; and the Court can appoint a public defender for those who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters. There is a law library located at 369 South High Street, 10th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Q: Where can I park?
Q: Can I act as my own attorney? A: Parties have the right to represent themselves. However, doing so puts them at a distinct disadvantage. The law is complex. Failure to follow proper procedures or to inform this Court of relevant legal authority can result in judgment being entered against a party. The Columbus Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for both civil and criminal actions; the Legal Aid Society of Columbus will sometimes represent persons who cannot afford a lawyer in a civil action; and the Court can appoint a public defender for those who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters. |