CATCH Court Specialized Docket

C.A.T.C.H (Changing Actions to Change Habits) is a program for victims of human trafficking, prostitution, and sexual exploitation.

CATCH is one of the five certified specialized dockets of the Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, Ohio. The Specialized Docket Department staff manage the Mental Health Program, the Alcohol and Drug Program (ADAP), the Opiate Extension Program (OEP), and the Military and Veterans Services Program (MAVS).

These programs are a voluntary sentencing option, which includes two years of intensive supervision, weekly status review hearings, compliance with treatment, compliance with psychotropic medication, and medically assisted treatment as prescribed.

Referrals to the specialized dockets must be made by an attorney or a judge.

Visit the CATCH Court website to learn more!.

Online Case Resolution

Online Case Resolution is a fast and easy way to resolve a civil lawsuit right from your smartphone, mobile device, or computer without going to court. It allows you to negotiate an arrangement that works for you, on your own time. Most importantly, it’s private and there is no additional cost. The Franklin County Municipal Court is happy to offer Online Case Resolution to you as a service of the court. For more information, visit the Online Dispute Resolution Portal.

Local Rules Notice

The local rules were recently amended to add an additional Supervised Community Service Fee, to adopt Loc.R. 17 to govern appeals from City of Columbus parking violations, to rescind and reserve Loc.9.16(B) and to use administrative orders on an interim basis to implement and modify practice for electronic filing.

The judges amended several court rules in 2016. Loc.R. 1.01, Loc.R. 1.03, Loc.R. 1.04, [ Review Rule 1] and Loc.R. 4.05 were amended to conform to current practice in the court. Loc.R.4.12 was also amended to authorize the approval of search warrants and the issuance of investigative subpoenas electronically [ Review Rule 4] and adopts guidelines for law enforcement for the transmission of the documents. [ Review Guidelines] . Loc.R. 9.08 was amended to comply with R.C. 2935.09(D). [ Review Rule 9] . Loc.R. 8.01 sets forth the criteria for assignment of applications to seal or expunge cases records and makes it clear that criminal and traffic cases which are filed at the same time against the same defendant shall be assigned together. [ Review Rule 8] . Loc.R. 3 (Duties of Counsel) requires attorneys to file a Notice of Appearance of Counsel under certain circumstances, including certain postjudgment civil collection proceedings, changes the procedure for the submission of certain motions, requires counsel to indicate on the continuance request whether the opposing party or counsel consents to the request for a continuance, and removes unnecessary language. [ Review Rule 3] . Loc.R. 12 was amended to recall all civil capias warrants active for more than five years. [ Review Rule 12] . Loc.R.16 (Appointed Counsel) changes the open enrollment period, imposes additional CLE requirements and increases the number of lead counsel cases required to be appointed. [ Review Rule 16] .

Self Help Resource Center

The Franklin County Municipal Court’s new Self Help Resource Center is now open. The Resource Center is located on the 10th floor of 369 S. High Street, across from the Franklin County Law Library, and will be open to the public between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Resource Center cannot provide legal advice or representation. But, people representing themselves in Municipal Court can get basic information about the court system, about forms and applications, and about other available resources. The Resource Center is only for civil matters such as applications to seal criminal records, landlord tenant, and consumer issues. The Resource Center is not for criminal or traffic cases. Those that qualify based on their financial situation can get additional assistance from staff at the Resource Center.

The Resource Center is a walk-in service, and cannot make appointments for visitors or provide information over the phone. For more information about the Resource Center, please visit www.fcmcselfhelpcenter.org