Fostoria Municipal Court - Criminal Division

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:	What must I do when I come to the court as specified by my citation, assignment notice, letter, or bond recognizance form?
A:	Report to the Clerk's office for directions to the courtroom in which your hearing will be held, report to the courtroom and sign in.

Q:	When appearing at the Clerk's office, how should I identify myself?
A:	DO NOT use a nickname or alias. Use the same spelling as listed on your paperwork If the name or address is incorrect, ADVISE the court so it may be corrected

Q:	What must I bring to court?
A:	You must bring any relevant paperwork having to do with your case, such as: Copy of citation Any written communication from the Court Bond papers and receipt Documents of proof for compliance of judicial order or sentence Adequate funds to pay fines and costs

Q:	How long should I plan to be in court?
A:	It will depend on the number of cases scheduled for that day. There is a sign-in sheet stationed outside the courtroom. Each Defendant is to sign-in and will be called before the Judge in the order the names appear on the sign-in sheet.

Q:	What are the different possible hearings?
A:	Arraignment - Reading of your rights, reading of the charges, entering a plea. Pretrial Hearing - A conference between parties (Prosecutor and Defendant or attorney for the Defendant) regarding the issues of the case. Trial - The examination of the evidence and the decisions of the issues of law by a judge or jury to determine guilt or innocence. Status Hearing - Any hearing after sentencing that would require a modification, review or change in the Court's Order Court costs are a minimum $59.00 for all criminal cases (including charges that can be waived). These costs CANNOT be waived if a person is found guilty, unless the Court makes a determination that the person is indigent. If you plead not guilty and go to trial, there may be additional costs incurred for subpoenas, witness fees, etc. These fees are in addition to the minimum $59.00 costs.

Q:	Do I need to have an attorney represent me?
A:	You may have an attorney represent you at trial, if you wish, but you are not required to have one.

Q:	Can I bring in statements from witnesses to present to the Court?
A:	The Court will not consider affidavits or other written statements in lieu of a witness' appearance at trial. If you want the Court to hear from a witness, they must be present.

Q:	How do I get a witness to come to court?
A:	If you want a witness to come to court, and they refuse to come voluntarily, several days prior to trial you must ask the Court to issue a subpoena compelling appearance. (See Subpoena Form)

Q:	Can I ask the City for certain information that I will need for trial?
A:	If you think that the City of Fostoria has certain information in its possession that you will need to use at trial, you must make a discovery request for that information under Rule 16 of the Criminal Rules of Procedure, prior to trial.

Q:	What if I cannot come to court on the day scheduled for trial?
A:	If you cannot appear on the day scheduled for trial you must file a Motion for Continuance at least three (3) working days in advance of the trial date. However, you must appear for trial on the day scheduled if the court does not notify you that it has granted your request.