Many people are aware of the differences between the state and federal court systems. However, there are also many differences between the way that courts operate in different areas of Ohio. Understanding and navigating these court systems can be challenging. As such, it is a wise decision for people who must proceed through these systems to obtain the assistance of an experienced attorney.
One of the court systems with which our lawyers have significant experience are the Butler County Area Courts, which can seem particularly confusing to those who are unfamiliar. This short post will introduce the three of the area courts and explain the types of cases the courts hear.
The Butler County Area I courthouse is located on High Street in Oxford. The territorial jurisdiction of the Butler County Area I Court includes the city of Oxford as well as the townships of Hanover, Milford, Morgan, Oxford, Reily, and Wayne. Cases in Butler County Area I Court are heard by Judge Robert H. Lyons who was appointed to the bench in 1999. Judge Lyons is also the Presiding and Administrative Judge of the three Butler County Area Courts.
Due to its proximity to Miami University, this court handles more than its fair share of “college crimes” including underaged drinking, underaged possession, and possession of fake IDs.
The Butler County Area II Court is located in the Historic Courthouse in Hamilton, Ohio. The Area II Court has a jurisdiction that includes the city of Monroe, Fairfield, and Liberty Townships, and the section of Interstate 75 directed through Liberty Township. Cases in Butler County Area II are heard by the Honorable Judge Kevin C McDonough, who was appointed to the court in 2007.
The Butler County Area III Court is located on Beckett Road in West Chester. This court’s jurisdiction includes West Chester Township as well as the part of Interstate 75 that is located in West Chester Township, and a section of Sharonville that is located in Butler County. In 2008, the Honorable Judge Dan Haughey was elected to the Butler County Area III bench. This Court is located on Beckett Road in West Chester.
Cases that are heard by Butler County Area Courts must fall within their subject matter jurisdiction. The Area Courts see a number of criminals, traffic, and civil cases that involve state rather than federal charges. While some of the cases heard by Area Courts involve fines, others involve time in jail.
In regard to criminal cases, these courts have jurisdiction over all misdemeanors that occur within their geographical jurisdiction. They also hear parking violations that include all violations related to vehicle parking or standing ordinances that occur within the court’s jurisdiction. The Area Courts are also capable of hearing civil cases when the amount disputed does not exceed $15,000.
If you or a loved one has a case that is proceeding through the Butler County Area Courts, you should contact an experienced attorney. Contact the Law Firm of Kruger & Hodges today for assistance. We are located in Hamilton, Ohio a short drive from all three Area Courts.
