Events and Media Releases

2026 Spring Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic

March 9, 2026 | Pre-registration is now open for the 2026 Spring Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic. This biannual event assists those seeking to have a criminal conviction in Franklin County sealed or expunged from their record. The convictions are often obstacles to full-time employment and housing; however, Ohio law limits which charges can be considered. Anyone on probation or with an active criminal case is not eligible to apply. Read More.(PDF, 224KB)(PDF, 224KB)

New Scam Involving GPS Monitoring
August 4, 2025 | Franklin County Municipal Court staff have been notified of a scam affecting Franklin County families; fraudsters claim defendants can pay to have GPS monitoring set up early. Early setup of GPS monitoring is not available, and court costs are only payable through the Franklin County Municipal Clerk's Office. Furthermore, if a judge determines fines should be assessed as part of court costs, the judge's order clearly notes any such court fees. Franklin County residents aren't the only ones affected by this scam. The Kendall County Sheriff's Office in Illinois posted a warning about a similar scam targeting residents in their area. If you believe you are a victim of such a scam, please call your local law enforcement and report the crime.

Unleashing Potential Program
July 30, 2025 | The Franklin County Municipal Court Administrative and Presiding Judge is being recognized for a rehabilitative program tailored to defendants of nonviolent crimes between the ages of 18 and 25. The program seeks to combat the trend of young adults comprising nearly a fourth of the country's arrests while being only 9.4 % of the population. The Unleashing Potential program creates a tailored probation program that offers structure and links to needed services, like drug treatment, help receiving a diploma, stable housing, financial planning, and more. The Court's Administrative Judge Jessica D'Varga presides over the program, which is also known as UP. The National Center for State Courts and the Supreme Court of Ohio recognized the program earlier this year and this month, respectively.

Scam on Penalties for Unpaid Traffic Tickets
June 10, 2025 | The Franklin County Municipal Court is aware of a potential scam claiming to come from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The fraud claims that penalties are owed for unpaid traffic tickets. Traffic fines are paid through the Franklin County Municipal Clerk's Office for traffic infractions that occurred in Franklin County. However, the Clerk does not send texts about traffic violation fines. If you have questions about the legitimacy of the text message you received, please call the Clerk's Office at 614-645-8186. Or read the previously linked article to see the BMV notice about the scam.

Furthering Restorative Justice(PDF, 171KB)
June 2, 2025 | Franklin County Municipal Court's Specialized Dockets, which offer restorative justice, recently graduated 34 people. The programs are crafted to work with people who have specific barriers, like drug addiction or mental health issues, or provide targeted help to military veterans. They have recidivism rates far below the national average. They are also certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio and have been proven to offer the best chance at ending a cycle of crime that sometimes exists in these circumstances.

Two Municipal Court Employees Nationally Recognized for Excellence(PDF, 237KB)
April 11, 2025 | Two Franklin County Municipal Court employees have been nationally recognized for excellence—one that guides women leaving the sex trade through a restorative justice program that also offers healing and another employee, whose work fighting for justice equity has spurred national replication of a court program, helping thousands.

New Law to Lift Vehicle Suspensions for Unpaid Fines(PDF, 99KB)
April, 8, 2025 | A new Ohio law will eliminate license suspensions and vehicle registration blocks put in place because of unpaid court fines and costs. Qualifying suspensions and blocks will be cleared by May 9, 2025. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will send letters to everyone affected. The letters will explain any further steps necessary to get a valid license. This new law does not erase existing fines. Make sure your address is updated with the BMV by going online here. If you have questions about the BMV, their Contact Center is (844) 644-6268. Call the Franklin County Municipal Clerk's Office at 614-645-7220 to check on any existing fines with the Franklin County Municipal Court. Or, to read a recent news article from the Columbus Dispatch about this law change, visit the previously linked article.

Specialized Docket Diversion Programs
March 20, 2025 | The Franklin County Municipal Court's Specialized Dockets offer diversion programs requiring treatment and following program guidelines instead of jail time. Judge Jodi L. Thomas is the presiding judge over h.a.r.t. Court, which helps those with opiate addiction, and the CATCH Court - Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing for women who have been exploited in the sex industry. She was featured by @OntheRoadtoRecovery, which focuses on stories of people in recovery in Ohio in hopes of reducing the stigma. Hear how Judge Thomas got her start as a social worker and a public defender before being appointed to the bench. Also, hear more about the Municipal Court's Specialized Dockets and how they help people move toward recovery and away from recidivism.

Ohio Turnpike Text Scams
March 2025 | Residents are being scammed via text messages that they allegedly owe the Ohio Turnpike for unpaid tolls. Turnpike officials say they do not text motorists. The notice would come through the U.S. mail if fees are legitimately owed. To report a texting scam, please get in touch with www.ic3.gov and provide information, including the phone number used in the text. To read more from Turnpike officials on this fraud, visit the previously linked article.

Director of the Self Help Center Wins National Visionary Award(PDF, 292KB)
January 15, 2025 | - Director Robert Southers of the Municipal Court's Self Help Center and Dispute Resolution Department was awarded the Legal Visionary Award by the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System for his innovations in making justice available for all through the center, which guides self-represented civil litigants. With his leadership, the center has become a national model that other courts emulate and has had a lasting difference for thousands.

Deputy Court Administrator Earns National Certification(PDF, 206KB)
November 26, 2024 | - Franklin County Municipal Court's Deputy Administrator, John Davenport, received national certification through the Court Management Program after three years of advanced study in court management, leadership, development, strategic governance, and more. The National Center for State Courts' educational arm offered the certification to ensure courts operate with a high standard of fairness, transparency, and the utmost efficiency.

LINC and h.a.r.t. Graduation(PDF, 2MB)
October 31, 2024 | - Twenty-five people graduated from the Municipal Court's h.a.r.t. and LINC courts, which are diversion programs for those who have opiate addiction or mental health issues, respectively. Graduates included a married couple, marking the first time spouses graduated together from one of the five Specialized Docket Courts. To learn more about these programs that are some of the most successful in the state or how they are transformational and to see pictures from the graduations, read the previously linked article.

Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic(PDF, 1MB)
October 12, 2024 | - The Franklin County Municipal Court's Self Help Center, along with its partners, the Legal Aid Society of Southwest and Central Ohio, OhioMeansJobs, the Columbus Urban League, the City of Columbus, and the Justice Bus, held the state's largest expungement and sealing clinic on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. More than 750 people were helped that day. The Self Help Center on the 16th floor of the 375 S. High St. Municipal Court can help residents with sealing and expungements year round. They are open Monday-Friday and accept walk-in appointments only from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To see pictures and media coverage of the event, read the previously linked article.

Human Trafficking Recovery Clinic(PDF, 985KB)
October 4, 2024 | - A clinic on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, will help with the immediate needs of those recovering from the trauma of human trafficking. The clinic, to be held at 325 John H. McConnell Blvd., #600, will offer financial literacy, resume, job application, and interview workshops, no-cost, gently worn professional workwear, and more. Visit www.startanew.com to register or read the previously linked article to learn more.

Graduation for Human Trafficking Survivors(PDF, 229KB)
September 10, 2024 | Thirteen women who were victims of human trafficking or who were sexually exploited will graduate from a Franklin County Municipal Court program on Thursday and continue on their road to recovery while joining more than 100 previous graduates. The restorative justice support program is called CATCH Court, which stands for Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing, and is one of five specialty dockets provided by the Municipal Court.

Driver's License Reinstatement Workshop(PDF, 1MB)
At the 2024 Driver's License Reinstatement Workshop, more than 500 people attended and sought help getting their licenses reinstated. The event was organized by the Franklin County Municipal Clerk and partnered with the Franklin County Municipal Court, the court's Self-Help Center, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, the Franklin County Public Defender's Office, and more. To see pictures from the event, read the previously linked article.

Jury Scam Warning
The number of residents affected by jury scams continues to rise as swindlers become more sophisticated. In addition to claiming to be law enforcement officers, scammers now sometimes make the call appear to come from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, ask victims to meet in person to turn over their "fine," offer a fake case number, and even use a real judge's name, claiming that they are ordering the fine be paid, or an arrest will be made.

Vacant Property Cleaned Up
July 24, 2024 | A Municipal Court case where a vacant property became a nuisance was cleaned up, prompting praise from area neighbors. The remedy occurred after Franklin County Environmental Court Presiding Judge Stephanie Mingo levied a $1,000 fine and $500 in daily fines until the property was brought up to code. The Environmental Court is a division of the Franklin County Municipal Court.

Restorative Justice
July 24, 2024 | Franklin County Municipal Court offers many ways to offer restorative justice. The court used this approach with a defendant charged with ethnic intimidation for urinating on a Gay Pride flag and making derogatory comments. The defendant's remorse expressed to the home's residents and his subsequent actions, which included volunteering with a LGBTQ+ community organization and undergoing counseling, garnered widespread media attention.

The 10th District Court of Appeals affirms a Franklin County Municipal Court ruling.
June 21, 2024 | The 10th District Court of Appeals affirmed a Franklin County Municipal Court ruling, which determined that walking a dog with an electronic collar does not replace the need for a leash, which the law requires.

HART and MAVS Graduation(PDF, 285KB)
May, 2024 | The Franklin County Municipal Court offers a chance for a life-altering opportunity that comes with compassion, assistance, and the tools and resources needed for recovery. The programs are offered to those battling substance abuse or mental health disorders and others through the court's Specialty Docket. The programs have helped hundreds of people obtain and maintain recovery. This month, another 21 people graduated and were celebrated by the judges who gave them a second chance. The programs provide individualized treatment plans that address the complex challenges participants face. Read about the graduations, or learn more information about what the specialty courts offer.

Evictions in Franklin County on the rise; how the court offers resources to those in need
March 8, 2024 | The number of eviction notices filed with the Franklin County Municipal Court dramatically increased in 2023. The Court's Self Help Center and Dispute Resolution Department help residents negotiate a settlement and potentially avoid having the eviction on their record, link residents to aid that can help with outstanding rent, and connect those facing eviction with Legal Aid Society of Columbus attorneys who may be able to represent them. The Center takes walk-in appointments daily and has an online chat service.

Franklin County Municipal Court Receives New Vending Machine that Offers Products to Help Reduce Harm
April 16, 2024 | Products that can reduce drug overdose deaths and sexually transmitted diseases are now available free of charge at the Franklin County Municipal Court. You can learn more details about the new machines(PDF, 204KB).

Helping Residents to Expunge or Seal Some Misdemeanor Convictions
March 23, 2024 | The Court's Self Help Center and its partners hosted a Free Franklin County Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Clinic on Saturday, March 23, 2024. The Self Help Center staff and representatives from Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, Ohio Means Jobs, Justice Bus, and the Municipal and Common Pleas Clerk offices were on hand to inform residents about eligible cases and assist them with the paperwork. Franklin County Municipal Court Judges were also in attendance and waived some fees. Any residents who missed the clinic and are interested in having a case expunged or sealed can go to the Self Help Center on the 16th floor of 375 S. High St. Walk-in appointments are accepted Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Get more details about the Self Help Center.

Working to Protect Domestic Violence Victims
February 19, 2024 | Franklin County Municipal Judges work to keep victims of domestic violence safe within the bounds of the law. Federal law prohibits people convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from having a gun under a disability. Ohio doesn't have that same law, but Columbus City Council passed this legislation. Franklin County Municipal Judge Andrea Peeples then upheld the city code.

A Look Back at This Year's Valentine's Day Weddings(PDF, 1MB)
February 14, 2024 | The Franklin County Municipal Court hosted special wedding ceremonies on Valentine's Day that drew 66 couples. They said their vows inside a courtroom that had been turned into a festive wedding chapel. Read the previously linked article to see some of the happy couples. Congratulations to them all!

Free Franklin County Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Clinic(PDF, 421KB)
March 23, 2024 | A clinic that can help Franklin County residents seal and expunge Franklin County Municipal Court cases will be held at the Ohio Means Jobs Employment Center, 1111 E. Broad St. Space is limited, so pre-registration is necessary. Register for Expungement Clinics Here!

Self Help Center will provide assistance at the May Day Celebration(PNG, 220KB)
May 11, 2024 | If you have a civil matter at the Franklin County Municipal Court and don't have an attorney, there is help. The Self Help Center and Dispute Resolution Department will have a table at the Central Ohio Worker Center event at the Kings Art Complex in May where they will take questions. The Self Help Center accepts walk-in appointments on the 16th floor of 375 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio, on Mondays - Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Center assists self-represented litigants with helpful resources and legal information but does not provide legal advice.

Want to say 'I do' on Valentine's Day? Schedule your wedding at the Franklin County Municipal Court
January 31, 2024 | The Franklin County Municipal Court is taking appointments for couples wanting to get married at the court this Valentine's Day. The court offers a festival occasion where courthouse staff turns a courtroom into a makeshift wedding chapel for a day. Request a wedding!

Retiring Ohio judge shares her experience with state's juvenile justice system
January 5, 2024 | Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Cynthia Morehart retired after eight years on the bench. The Judge had previously led the LINC docket, which stands for Learning to Identify and Navigate Change. The program provides a combination of justice and treatment to those suffering from mental health issues.

UP Program graduates look for a fresh start in life
January 29, 2024 | Young people in the Franklin County community are being offered a fresh start, an opportunity to right wrongs and get their young lives back on track through the Unleashing Potential Program at the Franklin County Municipal Court. The "UP" Program seeks to increase the assets of young adults to help them transform their lives, allowing those who complete the 12-month commitment to have their misdemeanor charges cleared, opening a path to a brighter future.

Administrative Changes Within Franklin County Municipal Court(PDF, 168KB)
December 21, 2023 | The Court has appointed a new Administrative and Presiding Judge for 2024 and has some scheduling changes for 2024 Special Sessions and holiday.

Court Graduations Assist in the Road to Recovery(PDF, 192KB)
December 12, 2023 | The Court held graduation ceremonies for 46 people who completed h.a.r.t. Court (Helping Achieve Recovery Together), which addresses the needs of defendants who battle opioid addiction, and Recovery Court, which allows defendants who have a dependency on alcohol or non-opiate drugs to engage in treatment.

Creating Central Ohio Futures Onsite at the MARCH Program(PDF, 576KB)
December 19, 2023 | Creating Central Ohio Futures is a workforce development program that provides multiple pathways to the middle class. The were onsite at the MARCH Clinic providing services to the public on January 30th from 9 AM to 1PM.

Scammers Mislead Potential Jurors in Thinking They Owe Thousands of Dollars(PDF, 3MB)
November 30, 2023 | Swindlers are calling residents telling them they failed to show for jury duty and must pay a fine. The Franklin County Municipal Court does not fine residents for missed jury duty. If you receive a call like this, please call your local law enforcement.

Administrative Order concerning surety bail bond agents(PDF, 30KB)
October 24, 2023 | Due to recent events, no surety bail bond agent shall be permitted to be present anywhere on the fourth floor of 375 South High Street.

Free License Reinstatement Workshop(PDF, 372KB)
October 24, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM at Glenwood Community Center, residents of Franklin County can participate in a step-by-step process to reinstate their Driver's License!

Administrative Order Concerning Civil Process Servers(PDF, 41KB)
August 16, 2023 | This administrative order addresses the process and forms(PDF, 4MB) that must be completed when requesting the appointment of Civil Process Servers.

New information about how the Court is handling certified mail returns(PDF, 632KB)
August 11, 2022 | Among other things, Administrative Order 04-2022 addresses how certified mail returns marked C-19 are marked and provides direction regarding motions for default judgement.

"UP" Program helps young adults stay out of prison
May 26, 2022 | Unleashing Potential, or UP for short, is a new Franklin County municipal court program that aims to help young adults stay on the right path.

CATCH Court fills a need
Spring 2022 | One path to freedom: A national model, this Columbus court gives victims guidance and resources to pursue lives they didn't think possible.

Judge Paley using social programs to improve lives from bench
December 1, 2021 | Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Eileen Paley plans to continue focusing on court-based social programs to improve lives during her second term.

Valentine's Day Ceremonies(PDF, 129KB)
February 8, 2022 | The Judges of the Franklin County Municipal Court will conduct Valentine's Day wedding ceremonies on Monday, February 14, 2022.

Administrative Order concerning Court Operations(PDF, 153KB)
December 17, 2021 | This order addresses Court operations as it relates to masks, traffic arraignment, evictions, weddings, the Self Help Resource Center, Jury Service and elevator occupancy.

Administrative Order Concerning Masks(PDF, 55KB)
August 5, 2021 | All parties must wear a face covering that will protect against the spread of the COVID-19 virus to be admitted to any of the Court's facilities. This is to ensure the safety of all visitors and Court staff.

Franklin County Municipal Court To Resume Eviction Filings(PDF, 456KB)
August 5, 2021 | In accordance with the ruling of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals(PDF, 175KB), the Franklin County Municipal Court has issued an Administrative Order(PDF, 51KB) that the Court will not follow the eviction moratorium order issued by the CDC on Tuesday.

Administrative Order Regarding CDC Extension of Eviction Moratorium(PDF, 83KB)
June 24, 2021 | Updated information based on the the extension of the CDC's order entitled "Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions To Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19".

Drug Court's HART-Felt Graduation
June 2, 2021 | COVID-19 kept members of Franklin County Municipal Court's h.a.r.t. program physically apart for months, but the pandemic couldn't prevent a life-altering day for so many on their journey of recovery - their drug court graduation.

Columbus & Franklin County Addiction Plan
In response to a profound jump in overdose deaths in 2015, stakeholders from across Franklin County, Ohio, gathered together to address the opioid epidemic, discussing strategies related to treatment access, prevention, education, law enforcement, and recovery.

Updated Administrative Order Concerning Court Operations(PDF, 224KB)
May 19, 2021 | Updated Franklin County Municipal Court COVID-19 Operations

Franklin County Municipal Court Eviction Moratorium(PDF, 452KB)
May 10, 2021 | The Franklin County Municipal Court will continue to follow the guidelines imposed in the CDC Eviction Moratorium until such time that the federal case is resolved.

Update to Evictions Practices(PDF, 338KB)
January 13, 2020 | The Franklin County Municipal Court has implemented a new process that allows persons with eviction records to complete a standard application form to request removal of the particular eviction record from online internet access.

Updates Franklin County Municipal Court Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic(PDF, 125KB)
March 15, 2020 | Updated Franklin County Municipal Court COVID-19 Operations

Franklin County Municipal Court Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic(PDF, 75KB)
March 13, 2020 | The Franklin County Municipal Court will remain open and functioning while dealing with the impacts of the current COVID-19. The Court is working to establish protocols to assist in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 while still offering essential Court services.