Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

hello on 9/29/11 i was areested for a warrent for tresspassing the warrent was filed on 9/27/11 i was not aware of anything till i was arrested i never set foot on the property that i was acused of being on i paid a 554 dollar bond same day and went to court a few weeks later pleaded not guilty and it was sceduld for jury trial the first pretrial they offered me 2 days comunity service court cost and fines i said no way! final pre trial was sceduled for a thursday the jury trial was sceduled for friday i went to the final pre trial and they offered me court cost and a fine no comunity service i said no way once again i said i just wanted to take it to the jury. my public defender came back and said that the prossecuter decided to drop it to a minor mistameter and i wont be able to have a jury trial or public defender and they resceduled for the 31st im lost i have no idea whats going on also there have been no wittnesses show up to court any tips or advice? i lost tottal faith in the court system after this big waist of time also here is the case file if it helps. http://www.pmcourt.com/cgi-bin/mdocket.cgi?pre=CRB&num=1102024&sub=&type=CR&acc=


Asked on 1/13/12, 7:52 pm

2 Answer from Attorneys
John Forristal Law Office of John T. Forristal

Since the charge has been reduced to a minor misdemeanor and you no longer face the possibility of jail time (max fine is $150 for minor misdemeanor plus court costs), the State has no obligation to provide you with a public defender. The services of a public defender are for crinal charges with the possibility of jail time. Likewise, your Constitutional right to a jury trial only applies when facing jail time and not for minor misdemeanor. Hence, you're looking at a bench trial where you either represent yourself or you hire your own attorney. Hope this helps. If have any questions, give me a call: 216 592-8573.

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Answered on 1/13/12, 8:45 pm


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