ABOUT THE COURT
The Thornville Mayor’s Court is able to hear and decide cases of violations of village ordinances and traffic laws that are classified as misdemeanors pursuant to Ohio Revised Code chapter 1905. The Mayor has chosen not to preside over the Mayor’s Court and the village hires an attorney that has training to hear the cases on her behalf. This situation eliminates the potential for a conflict of interest that is presented when a Mayor is both over the police department and over the court.
Typically court dates are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the municipal building.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU MUST APPEAR IN COURT
If you have a mandatory court appearance and you cannot appear at the required date and time, you may request a “continuance” which may or may not be approved. In order for a request to be considered it must come with sufficient notice and good cause shown. You may contact the clerk by any of the means listed below. You cannot send anyone in your place to a mandatory court appearance, which includes parents.
Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled date and time. Court will start promptly at the scheduled start time. This will allow you to review your rights form, ask questions, or request to speak with the prosecutor (on trial dates).
Do not bring weapons (including pocket knives) into the court room. Remove your hat when in the building, and silence any cell phones or pagers. If choosing to pay a fine by check, ensure the account has sufficient funds for the issued amount, as passing a bad check on a court is a felony.
The first court date of each month is typically an “arraignment” which simply means you appear in court, and enter one of three pleas: “Guilty,” “Not Guilty,” or “No Contest.” By pleading “Guilty” or “No Contest” you waive your right to a trial, and the case is usually disposed of the same evening. If you plea “Not Guilty” your case will be scheduled for a trial at a later date, at which time you can present any evidence or question any witnesses.
