How to File

File Criminal Charges Against an Individual

If you are the victim of a crime or believe a felony crime has occurred, please contact the police department where the offense occurred. The police will investigate and file a complaint if sufficient evidence is found. These complaints are then forwarded to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office for further review and presentation to the Grand Jury for prosecution.

File a Misdemeanor Complaint Against an Adult

Contact the City Attorney’s Office in your respective city.

File Charges on a Juvenile

Our Juvenile Intake Unit, 399 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215 will assist anyone who desires to file a complaint for a criminal offense (misdemeanor or felony) against a juvenile. Please call ahead at (614)525-7388 to determine if the situation constitutes a delinquency charge.

File a Protection Order

There are four types of protection orders victims can file. 

Civil Protection Order (CPO)

A civil protection order 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.

To apply for a CPO:

  • Visit 373 S. High St., 6th Floor; Columbus, Ohio 43215.
  • Weekday hours are from 8:30am to 2:00pm (Please allow yourself enough time as the process can take a few hours).
  • Photo I.D. required. 

 

Temporary Protection Order (TPO)

Temporary protection orders 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.

  • 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.

 

Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO) or Civil Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (CSOOPOs)

A Civil Stalking Protection Order 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 at 345 S High St., 2nd floor; Suite 240; Columbus, Ohio 43215

Monday through Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm. 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.

 

Juvenile Protection Order (JPO)

Juvenile Civil Protection Orders 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.

To apply for a JPO:

  • Visit 373 S. High St., 6th Floor; Columbus, Ohio 43215.
  • Photo I.D. required.

Questions can be directed to the Juvenile Clerk of Courts at (614) 236-6779.

 

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