Franklin County Criminal Division

Navigating the legal system can be complex, and for residents of Franklin County, Ohio, understanding where to go for criminal and traffic matters is crucial. The Franklin County Criminal Division plays a vital role in processing and maintaining these important cases within our community. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Franklin County Criminal Division, helping local users understand its functions and how it serves the needs of Columbus and wider Franklin County.

The Franklin County Criminal Division is an integral part of the Franklin County Municipal Court system, specifically focusing on criminal and traffic cases. Located right in the heart of Columbus, this division is where many misdemeanor criminal cases, felony filings, and traffic cases requiring a court appearance are processed and maintained. It serves as a central hub for legal proceedings that impact countless individuals across Franklin County, from routine traffic offenses to more serious criminal matters. The division is dedicated to upholding justice and providing a structured environment for legal processes to unfold.

The Franklin County Criminal Division is conveniently situated at 373 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. It is housed within the Franklin County Municipal Court Building, specifically on the second floor. This central location in downtown Columbus makes it reasonably accessible for most Franklin County residents.

For those traveling by car, there are several parking options nearby. Two Franklin County garages are connected to the Court Complex: the Franklin County Commissioners Garage at 34 E Fulton Street and the Franklin County Detention Home Center Garage at 399 S Front Street. Additionally, the Columbus Commons Garage at 55 East Rich St and various other surface lots adjacent to the Courthouse offer further parking solutions. Parking costs vary depending on the length of time in the garage.

Public transportation is also a viable option for reaching the Franklin County Criminal Division. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides numerous bus routes that pass near the Franklin County Courthouse. Key bus lines such as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7, among others, have stops within an easy walking distance of the courthouse. The COTA Transit Terminal is also close by, making it a convenient destination for those relying on public transit. For detailed route information and schedules, residents can utilize the Moovit app or the COTA website to plan their journey.

The Franklin County Criminal Division, through the Franklin County Municipal Court's Criminal/Traffic Department, handles a wide array of services crucial to the local legal system. These include:

• Processing and maintaining all misdemeanor criminal cases.
• Handling felony filings that originate in the Municipal Court before being potentially bound over to the Court of Common Pleas.
• Processing all traffic cases that require a court appearance.
• Managing numerous payable traffic offenses.
• Accepting all types of criminal motions, demands, and legal filings twenty-four hours a day, every day.
• Notifying the appropriate prosecutor's office when a motion or demand has been filed at the defendant's request.
• Providing attorneys with court-approved forms for continuances, expungements, consolidation requests, petitions for limited driving privileges, and blank subpoenas.
• Processing and reporting records to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), including forwarding driver licenses for suspended licenses and processing point assessments.
• Preparing and forwarding driver license suspensions and reinstatement forms, as well as modifying orders and judgment entries.
• Accepting payments for fines and costs on criminal or traffic cases, probation fees, and driving privilege fees (by money order, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, attorney check, company check, or cash).
• Accepting payments for bail for Municipal Court prisoners twenty-four hours a day (by cash, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA only).

The Franklin County Criminal Division is designed to facilitate the smooth operation of justice within the local community. Several features stand out:

• Dedicated Call Centers: The Criminal Department Call Center is available for all public phone inquiries from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day at (614) 645-8186. A special attorney-only telephone line (614) 645-8449 and a bail bondsmen-only line (614) 724-0659 are also designated to expedite requests.
• Attorney Counter: A special attorney counter is available to expedite filings and requests exclusively for attorneys.
• 24/7 Filings: The Criminal/Traffic Department accepts all types of criminal motions, demands, and legal filings around the clock, every day, ensuring continuous access for legal professionals.
• Self-Help Resource Center: For applicants not represented by counsel, the Self-Help Resource Center on the sixteenth floor of the courthouse offers free assistance Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Expungement Information: Information regarding the process to seal or expunge a court record in the Franklin County Municipal Court can be obtained by contacting (614) 645-1706, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Specialized Units (Franklin County Prosecutor's Office): While the Criminal Division of the Municipal Court handles misdemeanor and initial felony filings, the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office's Criminal Division, which works closely with the court, features specialized units like the Special Victims Unit, Drug Unit, Economic Crime Unit, Gang Unit, Nonsupport Unit, and Gun Unit. These units handle specific types of offenses, ensuring focused and expert prosecution where needed.

As a governmental entity, the Franklin County Criminal Division does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its services are established by law and operate under specific guidelines. However, it provides access to resources and services that can be highly beneficial to individuals interacting with the legal system. For instance, the aforementioned Self-Help Resource Center offers free assistance to those without legal representation, which can be considered a significant benefit. Additionally, the court system facilitates various programs, such as diversion programs and options for reduced sentences through plea agreements, which aim to provide more efficient and often less severe outcomes for defendants in appropriate circumstances. These are not "promotions" but rather established legal pathways and resources designed to serve justice and assist the community.

To get in touch with the Franklin County Criminal Division or the relevant departments, here is the key contact information:

Address: 373 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Phone: (614) 525-3555

Mobile Phone: +1 614-525-3555

For general public inquiries related to the Criminal/Traffic Department: (614) 645-8186 (7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. everyday)

For attorneys only: (614) 645-8449

For bail bondsmen only: (614) 724-0659

For information on sealing or expunging court records: (614) 645-1706 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

For anyone in Franklin County, Ohio, needing to navigate the criminal justice system, the Franklin County Criminal Division serves as a vital and accessible resource. Its central location in Columbus, coupled with ample parking options and extensive public transportation links, ensures that residents can reach the courthouse with relative ease. The comprehensive range of services, from handling various criminal and traffic cases to facilitating filings and providing access to court records, streamlines legal processes for the community.

Beyond its core functions, the division offers crucial support through dedicated call centers and the invaluable Self-Help Resource Center, which provides free assistance for those without legal counsel. This commitment to accessibility and support underscores its suitability for locals. Whether you're dealing with a traffic ticket, a misdemeanor, or navigating more complex felony filings, the Franklin County Criminal Division is equipped to guide you through the necessary steps. It is a fundamental pillar of the local legal infrastructure, designed to serve the residents of Franklin County efficiently and professionally.