Perrysburg
Municipal Court
Wood County, Ohio
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CRIMINAL DIVISION
(419) 872-7909
Fax: (419) 872-7905
Do I Have to
Appear in Court
How much are my
fine and court costs
Do I Need an Attorney
I Need a Different Court Date
Will My Fine Be Different if
I Appear in Court
Failure to Appear in Court
What Are the Different
Possible Hearings
Trial Day Procedure
Can I Bring Statements from
Witnesses
How Do I Get a Witness to
Come to Court
If you have a waiverable offense, as indicated by the pay-out schedule, you can admit guilt and pay fines and court costs by mail or in person without having to appear before the judge.
How much are my fine and court costs?
See the pay-out schedule. If you still have questions, call the Criminal Division at 419-872-7909.
If jail is a possible sentence, you should probably have an attorney, but you are not required to have attorney representation. If you are unable to afford an attorney, one may be appointed for you.
I need a different court date.
The Criminal Division can grant one extension of your original arraignment date for up to seven days (unless you have posted bond on the case or have been charged with a non-waiverable offense). Call 419-872-7909 prior to the appearance date on your notice to request a continuance.
A second continuance of your court appearance must be granted by the judge. You must request this continuance in writing explaining the reason for the request. The court will notify you of its decision.
Will my fine be different if I appear in court? How do I know how much money to bring?
The judge determines the fine amount in court depending on the nature of the offense and any prior record. The judge reviews the records, listens to your comments, and bases his decision on all the information given.
If you do not have money on the day of your appearance and your fines and costs exceed $100.00, the court will sometimes allow you additional time to pay your fine. This is referred to as a payment agreement. There is a $3.00 fee for being placed on a deferred payment plan.
If you plead not guilty, go to trial, and are found guilty, there may be additional costs incurred for subpoenas, witness fees, etc. These fees are in addition to the minimum $53.00 costs.
Failure to appear in court as required will result in the following actions:
A warrant for your arrest for failure to appear may be issued. You will be required to post a bond, if you are subsequently arrested.
The court will notify the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles of your failure to appear. The BMV will withhold the issuance or renewal of your driver's license and registration, and suspend your driving privileges.
What are the different possible hearings?
Arraignment - Explanation of your rights and the charges, entering a plea.
Pre-Trial Hearing - A conference between parties (prosecutor and defendant or attorney for the defendant) regarding the issues of the case.
Trial - The examination of the evidence and the decisions of the issues of law by a judge or jury to determine guilt or innocence.
A trial is a proceeding in which the Prosecutor and/or the State of Ohio will try to convince the court that you have committed the criminal violation with which you have been charged. The prosecutor is required to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
You should arrive at court several minutes prior to your scheduled appearance time. Sign-in as soon as you exit the elevator, then wait until your case is called.
Please be prepared to spend several hours at court on the day that you appear. While the court makes every effort to move its docket swiftly, cases are scheduled closely together and there are often delays.
Can I bring in statements from witnesses?
The court will not consider affidavits or other written statements. If you want the court to hear from a witness, they must be present.
How do I get a witness to come to court?
If you want a witness to come to court and they refuse to come voluntarily, several days prior to trial you must ask the court to issue a subpoena compelling appearance.
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