Shoplifting Attorney – Westerville, Ohio

If you have been charged with a shoplifting in Westerville, Ohio, it is important that you hire legal counsel. Contact Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192 to review your case and discuss with you how to proceed. As an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney, he will be with you at your first court appearance (called an “arraignment”) and attempt to have the case dismissed. In the event that the charges are not dropped, a pretrial hearing will be conducted.

Depending on the charge, and where it will be heard, negotiations will begin with the prosecutor and evidence will be gathered to support your defense. If negotiations fail to produce a favorable plea agreement, or you decline to accept the plea agreement, your case will be set for trial. At trial, Attorney Johnson will vigorously defend you. However, if you are found guilty, Attorney Johnson will seek all avenues available that will allow you to avoid jail or prison.

What Offenses Constitute Shoplifting in Ohio?

Westerville, Ohio has its own set of ordinances that describe crimes and penalties if you are convicted of a criminal offense. Below are two examples of what could be considered “shoplifting” in Westerville, Ohio:

• Petty Theft
• Unauthorized Use of Property

Westerville, Ohio – Where Will Your Case Be Heard?

Misdemeanor offenses in Westerville, Ohio are heard either in Westerville Mayor’s Court or Franklin County Municipal Court. For a felony offense, the charge will be filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

Where is the Westerville, Ohio Mayor’s Court Located?
Westerville Mayor’s Court is located at 21 S. State St., Westerville, Ohio, 43081. Consult the map below for further directions.

When are Westerville Mayor’s Court Hearings Held?
The Westerville Mayor’s Court is in session every Wednesday at 9:00 Am, with criminal arraignments and pretrials being held first. Trials are held after, generally beginning around 10:00 AM.

How Do Mayor’s Courts Differ from Municipal Courts?
Mayor’s courts are unique in that they not permitted to conduct jury trials. Additionally, cases are heard by either the mayor or a magistrate appointed by the mayor. If a defendant wishes to have a jury trial, or simply does not want the mayor’s court to hear his or her case, the defendant can have the case transferred to the applicable county municipal court. In addition, if a defendant is convicted in a mayor’s court, he or she may appeal the conviction to the appropriate county municipal court.

There are advantages to having your case heard in a mayor’s court. For instance, mayor’s courts are more informal than municipal courts. Moreover, mayor’s courts are more conveniently located than a county municipal court and many provide evening hours for the hearing of cases.

Westerville, Ohio Shoplifting Attorney

If you have been charged with shoplifting in Westerville, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your shoplifting case.

Helpful Links for Westerville: Westerville Ohio Chamber Of Commerce, City of Westerville, Westerville Parks Department, Otterbein University, Westerville City Schools, Westerville Library, Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau

Westerville Division of Police
29 S. State St.
Westerville, OH 43081-2119

Non-emergencies: (614) 882-7444
Emergencies: 9-1-1
Tip Line: (614) 901-6866

Jail Contact Information for Westerville Ohio