Show All Answers

1. How can I find out if a person is in jail?

To find out if a person is currently incarcerated at the Mahoning County Justice Center, please visit the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office site at http://mahoningsheriff.com/Inmate/ActiveInmates.pdf or call (330) 480-5000.

2. How do I obtain legal advice or assistance?

The Prosecutor’s Office is not permitted to provide legal advice to the general public. If you seek more information you may contact the Mahoning County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (330)746-2933.

3. What are your office hours?

The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office opens at 8:00 A.M. and closes at 4:30 P.M., excluding weekends and holidays.

4. How do I obtain my court case information?

Please contact the Mahoning County Clerk of Court. If you wish to call the Clerk’s Office, please call 330-740-2104, or find them on the web at http://clerk.mahoningcountyoh.gov

5. How do I file criminal charges against an individual?

If you are the victim of a crime or believe a crime has occurred, please contact the police department in the jurisdiction where the offense occurred. The police will investigate and file a complaint if sufficient evidence is found. These complaints are then forwarded to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office for prosecution. Please note that you cannot drop charges after you have signed a complaint. Only the assistant prosecuting attorney, with the judge’s permission, can dismiss criminal charges.

6. Who is the prosecuting attorney handling my case?

Generally the prosecutor assigned to handle your case will meet with you outside of the courtroom where the case is scheduled. If your case is a felony or misdemeanor criminal case, they will be heard in the Mahoning County Courthouse. Look at the subpoena you received for the location of the court appearance. Generally the judge’s name, courtroom number and the prosecutor’s name will appear on your subpoena. Please wait outside the assigned courtroom at the assigned time and the prosecutor will contact you.

7. What is a victim advocate?

A victim advocate is an employee of the Prosecutor’s Office who provides assistance to victims of crime. The advocate acts as a liaison between the victim or witness and the assistant prosecuting attorney. Advocates understand the criminal process and will attempt to explain each step of the criminal process to the victim or witness and answer any questions they might have.

8. As a witness or victim, do I need a lawyer to appear with me?

It is not necessary for you to have an attorney present if you are a victim or witness in a pending criminal case. The assistant prosecuting attorney handling your case will pursue the criminal charges. However, you may retain your own personal attorney if you so desire.

9. Will I get paid for appearing in court as a witness?

Employers will generally permit subpoenaed witnesses to appear in court without any job related problems; however, it is recommended that you contact your human relations department. You will receive a witness fee for appearing, provided the assistant prosecuting attorney has authorized payment.

10. Will the case be continued if I am not there?

If you are subpoenaed to court as a victim or witness and you do not appear, the judge assigned to the case may not permit a continuance and the case will be dismissed. If you are the defendant and you fail to appear in court, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.

11. I received a subpoena to appear in court, what should I do?

If you receive a subpoena you are required by law to appear as instructed. A subpoena is an order by a Court requiring you to appear for a scheduled court date. If you refuse to appear, the Court does have the authority to issue an order for your arrest.