FAQs

What cases does the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office handle?

We prosecute felony criminal cases and certain misdemeanor cases, including juvenile delinquency matters. The office also handles abuse, neglect, and dependency cases involving children as well as appeals, and actions such as tax foreclosures and public nuisance cases.

Prosecutor vs. District Attorney — what’s the difference?

Same role, different title. In the State of Ohio, it’s called the “Prosecuting Attorney.” Elsewhere, you may hear “District Attorney” or “State’s Attorney.”

How can I check my court case?

Felony cases
Franklin County Clerk of Court
clerk.franklincountyohio.gov
(614) 525-3600

Municipal cases
fcmcclerk.com
(614) 645-6121

How do I file criminal charges?

To file a criminal charge, you will need to contact the local police department where the crime occurred. If strong, supporting evidence is found following an investigation, the police department will forward the case to either our office for felony charge review or the local City Attorney's office for misdemeanor case review.

How do I file a protection order?

There are four types of protection orders.

  • A Civil Protection Order (CPO) is for those related by blood or marriage, have a child in common, or have lived together within the last 5 years as a spouse, including same-sex couples. A criminal case is not required for a CPO and lasts up to 5 years.
    • Apply for a CPO at 373 S. High St., 6th Floor; Columbus, Ohio 43215
    • Weekday hours are from 8:30am-2:00pm.
    • Photo I.D. required.
  • A Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO) or Civil Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (CSOOPOs) protects victims from stalking, harassment, and threats. The 5-year court order forces the respondent to stop hurting, threatening, contacting, coming near the victim.
    • Requirements:
      • Be a resident of Franklin County
      • Valid photo I.D. for notarization of the petition
      • No children with the respondent
      • 2 or more incidents in which the respondent caused you to believe that you are in danger
      • OR
      • 1 sexually oriented offense
    • Franklin County residents may file either a CSPO or CSOOPO in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas 345 S High St., 2nd floor; Suite 240; Columbus, Ohio 43215 Monday through Friday 8 am to 3 pm. Filers are encouraged to arrive as soon as possible to complete the filing process.
    • Questions can be directed to the Protection Order Liaison at (614) 525-3766.
  • Temporary Protection Orders (TPO) are for those currently involved in a misdemeanor or felony criminal case. No relationship is required. This order lasts the life of the case and expires upon sentence or dismissal.
    • Requirements
      • Photo I.D. required.
      • These orders are typically requested and granted at time of arraignment of defendant. A victim/witness advocate in arraignment court will assist in the application process.
      • For questions about protection orders on misdemeanor cases, you may contact the Columbus City Attorney’s Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit at (614) 645-6232; on felony cases, you may contact the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Victim Witness Assistance Unit at (614) 525-3555.
  • Juvenile Civil Protection Orders (JPO) can protect a family or household member who has been the victim of domestic violence or a sexually oriented offense committed by a respondent under the age of 18.
    • This order can be applied for with a valid photo I.D. at 373 S. High St., 6th Floor; Columbus, Ohio 43215. For questions, you may contact the Juvenile Clerk of Courts at (614) 236-6779.

Note: Interpreting services will be provided to Petitioners with limited English proficiency; however, based upon availability, these services may be provided through telephonic interpreting services.

Need legal advice?

Unfortunately, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office cannot provide legal advice. You can call the Columbus Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (614) 221-0754 to find legal help.

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