Show All Answers

1. What happens at an arraignment hearing?

After a defendant has been arrested or summoned on a criminal complaint, an arraignment hearing is set. At arraignment, the defendant is advised of his or her rights. In a misdemeanor case the defendant enters a plea to the alleged offense. For a list of pleas and descriptions of each please visit the Arraignment Hearing page.

2. What occurs during the trial process?

With a plea of Not Guilty in a misdemeanor case, the case is scheduled for trial. The trial is either a Bench Trial or a Jury Trial. In a Bench Trial the case is tried and presented to the Judge to determine guilt or innocence. In a Jury Trial the case is tried and presented to a jury of peers from the community to determine guilt or innocence. To find out how the trail proceed please view the Trial Process page.

3. Who decides the sentence?

If the defendant is found guilty in a case, the Judge then decides what sentence is appropriate. This may include time in jail, fines, probation or other sanctions.

4. What do I do if I am called for jury duty?

As a citizen of a free country, your service as juror in the judicial system is essential for maintaining impartial justice. Jury duty has been an important part of our legal system for over two centuries. Jurors are selected randomly from our community. A trial to a jury provides a defendant in a criminal or civil case the opportunity to present information for a determination by the people of the Middletown area. If you are called upon to serve, we anticipate you will recognize the importance of the Juror in the honest discharge of justice.

When you arrive at the court, please park in the South lot. The Municipal Court is located on the main level of the city building. When arriving please enter the courtroom and check in with the bailiff.

Upon being called to jury duty, you will be subject to questioning by the judge and trial attorneys. This questioning is Voir Dire (pronounced "vore deer"). Voir Dire is an opportunity to explore your appropriateness for this particular trial. You may be asked questions that seem personal. The questions are not meant to embarrass but to provide information for the final selection of the panel of jurists. You may be excused "for cause" or "peremptory challenges." Jurors who are excused for one case may still be eligible to sit on another.

5. How do I retain counsel?

If you are charged with an offense, you have the right to have a lawyer represent you at all stages of the proceedings. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and the defenses you can raise. You may ask for a continuance in your case to retain counsel.

If you are not able to employ counsel, you may qualify for a court appointed attorney at no cost to you. Court appointed attorneys are usually present in court and in many cases may speak with you the same day.

If you do no qualify for a court appointed attorney and need information about hiring an attorney, you may contact the Butler County Bar Association at 513-896-6671.