Mayor’s Court Q&A
Who presides over the Mayor's Court?
The court is presided over by a magistrate who is appointed to hear and determine the resolution of cases filed in Mayor’s Court. The City’s prosecutor is also present when court is in session to prosecute cases on behalf of the city. Cases may also be diverted to the Hilliard Recovery Court, which has its own prosecutor.
How can I contest a ticket (citation)?
You can contest a ticket (citation) by appearing at the hearing date written on the ticket. You may confirm this date on our online case search.
When is my court date?
The court date is written on the bottom of your ticket (citation). You can also do an online case search for your court date or go to the pay your ticket page and pay via debit/credit card online. You may also call the Clerk of Court’s office to confirm your hearing date by calling (614) 334-2361, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What if I just want to pay my violation and not go to the court hearing?
Many violations are “payable” offenses that do not require you to appear in court. If you citation did not indicate that your appearance is mandatory, you can go to the pay your ticket page to see the amount due and pay via debit/credit card online. You may also mail payment to Hilliard Mayor’s Court, 5171 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 or use the 24-hour drop box located in the lobby of the Joint Safety Services Building at the same address. Please remember to sign the back of your pink citation and return it with your payment. Please note: Bonds may not be paid online.
When and where does court take place?
The Hilliard Mayor’s Court is in session every Wednesday, starting at 8:00 a.m. The court is located in the Joint Safety Services Building, 5171 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard, Ohio 43026, just north of Old Hilliard. Please note: this is a different building and location than the City of Hilliard’s main City Hall Building off of Cemetery Rd.
How can I get my case continued or change the date of my hearing?
You must appear at the Clerk of Court’s office in-person during business hours to complete a Request for Continuance. Continuances may not be granted via phone. You may also appear at court during your scheduled hearing date to request a continuance. Please note that court is in session on Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m., so this is the only day and time available when choosing a different week for continuances.
Can I change the jurisdiction for my case to Franklin County Municipal Court?
If your offense is anything other than a minor misdemeanor or an unclassified misdemeanor, a written jury demand must be filed with the Clerk of Court.
How do I pay court fees and costs after I go before the magistrate and receive a ruling?
If you did not pay in-person after your hearing, you may pay online at the pay your ticket page. You may also mail payment to Hilliard Mayor’s Court, 5171 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 or use the 24-hour drop box located in the lobby of the Joint Safety Services Building at the same address. Please note: bonds may not be paid online.
Do I need an Attorney?
You have a right to an attorney. To determine whether you need an attorney, please refer to the “Defendant Rights” section under “Defendant Information and Resources”.
Is my attorney required to file all forms in person?
No, attorneys may fax filings for your case such as motions, plea forms, and requests for discovery to (614) 529-6036.
What happens if my case gets transferred to Franklin County Municipal Court (FCMC)?
If you choose to transfer your case to FCMC, it will be set for an arraignment date at the courthouse in downtown Columbus. You must appear at the arraignment date at FCMC and tell them how you want to proceed with your case. Please note that FCMC will assign you its own case number, which is different from the Hilliard Mayor’s Court case number. You may find information on a case that has been transferred and filed to FCMC at www.franklincountymunicourt.org.
What if I need to pay a bond?
Bonds may not be paid online. Bonds may be paid at the Joint Safety Services Building, 5171 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard, Ohio 43026, 24/7. You may pay at the Court of Court window during normal business hours, or at the Hilliard Police Department Records window after hours. Please note: Bonds may only be paid via CASH or CREDIT/DEBIT.
Should I just pay my fine or contest my citation (ticket) at court?
Determining how to handle your case in Hilliard Mayor’s Court is your decision. If you have legal questions about your case and the court process, please contact a licensed Ohio attorney. The Clerk of Court staff is prohibited by law from providing defendants with legal advice. The Clerk of Court staff cannot advise you on what course of action to take in your case or give their opinion on how the case may be handled by the prosecutors or magistrates.
