(740) 446-9400

The Criminal Division is open between 8:00A.M. and 4:00P.M., Monday through Friday. Criminal cases heard in the Gallipolis Municipal Court are misdemeanor charges that carry a maximum penalty of twelve (12) months in jail and a maximum fine of $1000.00. Criminal cases that carry a higher penalty may have a preliminary hearing in this court to determine probable cause. If probable cause is found final disposition will be heard and determined by the Gallia County Common Pleas Court.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU APPEAR:

Report to the Clerk’s office and check in by properly identifying yourself;

1) Do not use a nickname or alias
2) Use the same spelling as listed on your paperwork
3) If your name or address is incorrect ADVISE the Court
    so that it may be corrected.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN COURT STARTS:
Once Court convenes the Judge will advise you of your rights and the four pleas that are available to you:
1) Guilty
2) No Contest
3) Not Guilty
4) Not Guilty by reason of insanity

IF YOU ENTER A GUILTY PLEA:
Guilty means that you admit to having done what you are charged with. It is likely that you will be sentenced immediately. The Judge will take into consideration your prior record if any, and the nature of the offense with which you have been charged. Any determination of Fine and Cost will be decided by the Judge at that time. (The violation bureau pay-out schedule does not apply when you appear in Court)

IF YOU ENTER A NO CONTEST PLEA:
By pleading no contest you do not admit guilt and therefore no one can use that plea against you in any subsequent trial or hearing whether it is criminal or civil in nature. In a No Contest Plea you admit that the allegations contained in the complaint or citation are true, but only for the purpose of this hearing. If the Judge accepts your plea of no contest and there are sufficient allegations contained in the citation, you will probably be found guilty. The Judge will read the report of the officer and listen to what you have to say by way of mitigation. In such a case, it would be the Judge’s finding not your admission of guilt.
The Judge will take into consideration your prior record if any, and the nature of the offense with which you have been charged. Any determination of Fine and Cost will be decided by the Judge at that time. (The violation bureau pay-out schedule does not apply when you appear in Court)

IF YOU ENTER A NOT GUILTY PLEA BY REASON OF INSANITY:
This plea is self explanatory except that it must be filed in writing.

IF YOU ENTER A NOT GUILTY PLEA:
Not Guilty means you deny having done one or more of the elements contained in the offense or that you have a justifiable excuse for doing what you have done. If you plead not guilty the matter will be set for trial at some date in the future.
You may enter a not guilty plea in writing by appearing at Court prior to your court date and seeing the assignment clerk.

FAILURE TO APPEAR:
Failure to appear in Court will result in the following actions by the Court:

A warrant for arrest will issue for failure to appear/contempt of Court. The warrant will be entered by the respective police agency into the State of Ohio computer. When arrested you will be required to post a cash bond to guarantee your appearance in Court.