Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Can I demand a change of venue for my trial?

My trial is next week. I am on my third attorney. This one is the best but I am afraid to go to trial in the location it is in. I requested he ask for a change of venue. He said since it is a jury trial not a bench trial there is no need to worry about the judge. But I feel the judge can still make things difficult for my lawyer to vigorously defend me with objections, etc. Everyone from the chief of Police and officers along with detectives, the prosecutor, judge and mayor want to send me to jail for a telephone harrassment charge. Briefly, my husband had an affair. The woman filed a complaint that I, his wife made harrassing phone calls to her. I have not but they do have six phone calls going to her house from our cell. Four did not register and two were 20 sec long. Her fiance is the President of City Council. Four attorneys have told me that this is political. The prosecutor even told one attorney I had that we are going to wait until after the election to see how to handle this. It didn't go in my favor so my trial is soon. My attorney says we can't move the trial. How can I get it moved. There has to be something. Please help I am really getting nervous now. I love my attorney and don't want to lose him. Thxs


Asked on 10/21/04, 11:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Cline Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Re: Can I demand a change of venue for my trial?

Before the Court is required to grant a change of venue they must try to seat a fair and impartial jury in the venue where it is alleged the crime occurred. Based only on what you said in the question, I think it highly unlikely that you would get a change of venue.

It sounds like you have an attorney who is working hard for you and who has your best interest in mind. I would follow his or her advice.

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Answered on 10/22/04, 4:03 pm


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