Grand Jury:
Government Services Center
315 High Street, Fifth Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
Courts:
Common Pleas Court /
Domestic Relations
Government Services Center
315 High Street, Third Floor
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
(You must enter through the second floor security area then proceed to the third floor)
Juvenile Court:
Juvenile Justice Center (map)
280 N. Fair Ave.
Hamilton, OH 45011
Phone: (513) 887-3317 or 887-3318
Fax: (513) 887-3698
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A). You can visit the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to search for inmate status. The Butler County Jail also carries an inmate roster on their website.
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A). Yes, for a variety of reasons. You should appear AT or BEFORE the time you are scheduled to appear, dressed appropriately for court. It is recommended you arrive early find a place to park. There are a number of surface parking lots within walking distance of the Courts. All persons must pass through metal detectors requiring additional time.
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Q. What should I do if I see a crime or have been a victim of a crime?
A). If a citizen sees a crime they should retreat to a safe location and report it to the police immediately. If a citizen believes they have been victimized by a crime they should contact the police department in the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.
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Q. How do I locate the prosecutor on my case and the courtroom where my case will be heard?
A). Depending on whether the case is a felony or misdemeanor, your case will probably be heard in the Butler County Government Services Center. Look at the subpoena for the location of the court appearance. It should contain a judges name, and courtroom number. Generally, the assistant prosecutor assigned to your case will meet you outside of the courtroom where the case is scheduled.
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Q. How long will my court appearance take?
A). There is no way to make this determination in advance. Quicker moving matters, for example, pleas and sentencing's, will take place prior to the beginning of a trial. Most non-trial matters are concluded within the same day they are scheduled; usually by noon or early afternoon. You should be prepared to wait. Reading material would be appropriate if desired.
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Q. What happens at a trial?
A). The defendant may plead guilty as charged, or to a lesser offense. A plea bargain is first discussed with the victim or the victims family prior to the prosecutor making any final agreements with the defense attorney. If there is no plea, then the case will go to trial. In a trial, the prosecutor presents the case for the State. The defendant may present evidence through an attorney. It is the defendant's choice whether the judge or a twelve person jury decides the case. The victim, as well as any witnesses who testify, will be subject to cross-examination. The case must come to trial within 90 days of the defendants arrest if the defendant is in jail. A case may also be continued if approved by the judge.
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Q. Will the prosecutor's office file charges for me?
A). No, the prosecutor's office is not an investigative agency. If you feel that you have been the victim of a crime, you should call the local police agency having jurisdiction where you believe a crime was committed. The police investigate your allegations and, if they find evidence to support those allegations, they will sign the appropriate criminal complaints, which are then forwarded to the prosecutor's office for prosecution.
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Q. I would like legal advice, whom should I contact?
A). The Prosecuting Attorneys office is not permitted to provide legal advice. If you desire more information you should contact your own attorney or the Butler County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (513-896-6671).
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Q. Why haven't I received a return phone call to my earlier voice mail message?
A). Our assistant prosecutors diligently return telephone calls and will help keep you advised of the progress of your case. However, each assistant prosecutor has many cases assigned to them. Preparation for court appearances requires a good deal of their time. As a result, sometimes they might not be able to return your call immediately. Please be patient, your call will be returned as soon as is possible. In addition to the assistant prosecutor assigned to your case, there will also be a victim advocate assigned. If you are unable to reach the assistant prosecutor directly, the victim advocate assigned to your case may also be able to respond to your question. Their number is 513-887-3447. Many times an advocate can answer the questions you have, especially if it relates to the scheduling of your case.
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Q. Can I drop charges after I have signed a complaint?
A). While your concerns are important, only the assistant prosecutor, with the judge's permission, can dismiss the charges.
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Q. As a witness or a victim, do I need a lawyer to appear with me in court?
A). If you are a witness or victim, you don't need an attorney. The assistant prosecuting attorney assigned to the case will pursue the criminal charges. You may retain apersonal attorney if you so desire.
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Q. I am a witness or a victim, what should I expect at the grand jury hearing?
A). The Grand Jury decides whether someone will be indicted for a crime or if the charges will be dismissed. Even if the police sign felony charges, the case must first go through Grand Jury to determine if the defendant is officially charged. The defendant will not be present. Also, there is no Judge present at Grand Jury.
There are a number of people to help victims or witnesses through Grand Jury including administrative assistants/victim advocates and prosecutors. The prosecutor calls witnesses, possibly including the victim and police officers. The testimony is taken under oath by a court reporter. The proceedings are secret, meaning that friends or family are not permitted in the Grand Jury room while a witness is testifying. The Grand Jury must decide whether or not the defendant probably did the crime. The decision as to whether the case is indicted for a felony or misdemeanor or not indicted is a decision made by the Grand Jury, not by the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor's office presents thet facts and the Grand Jury decides if anyone should be charged for those acts.
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Q. Will the Defendant be at the Grand Jury hearing?
A). While there may be some circumstances where the defendant would appear before the grand jury, it is generally rare. In most instances only the victim, witness, and/or arresting police officer will appear at the grand jury hearing.
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Q. When will I learn if the defendant(s) was indicted by the grand jury?
A). You may find out if the defendant is indicted after the case is reported officially by the Grand Jury. (That usually takes place by the following morning after your case is heard. Sometimes it may be earlier or later.) If the defendant is indicted for a felony the case will be assigned to a prosecutor in a certain courtroom. The next setting is usually within 2 weeks where there is a Common Pleas arraignment and then eventually the case will be set for a pre-trial in its assigned courtroom. If the defendant is indicted for a misdemeanor, the case is sent to Municipal Court where it will be assigned to a Judge. If the case is not indicted then no criminal charges will be forthcoming due to the decision of the Grand Jury.
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Q. What happens once a defendant is indicted?
A). Once a defendant is indicted, they need to hire counsel or have an attorney appointed for them through the Public Defenders office. A defendant should have counsel at all stages of the criminal process from indictment forward. Their attorney will consult with them and determine the best method to resolve their indictment.
(After indictment, it is improper for the prosecuting attorney to have further contact with a defendant, because the prosecuting attorney represents the State of Ohio and not the defendant).
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Q. I am a witness or victim, what can happen to me if I don t show up for court because I do not want to get involved or testify?
A). A subpoena is an order from the Court ordering you to appear for the scheduled court date. If you refuse to appear, the court does have the power to issue an order for your arrest, and have you held in jail until the time of the trial or hearing.
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Q. I am a defendant, what happens if I fail to appear in court?
A). A warrant will be issued for your arrest.
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Q. I am a victim, what can I do if a defendant continues to contact me?
A). The court can issue an order that the defendant stay away from you and/or members of your family. If the defendant continues this behavior, call your local police department and advise them of the situation. Additional criminal charges may be appropriate if the behavior persists.
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Q. What is an expungement or sealing of records?
A). Sealing of records is a way to have your
criminal record cleared and your court
file sealed. Click Here for more information.
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Find tips on ways to prevent being a victim of a crime.
