Richland County Common Pleas Court Links provided by Sly Bail Bonds of Ashland

SEARCH COURT DOCKET

Local Court Rules

Local Court Forms

Who Is in Jail

Richland County Common Pleas Court

County Administration Building
50 Park Avenue East Mansfield Ohio 44902

Court #1
Judge James DeWeese
Phone# 419-774-5567
Fax# 419-774-5516

Karen Grant, Administrator
[email protected]

Court #2
Judge James D. Henson
Phone# 419-774-5570
Fax# 419-774-5516

Tammy Wurthmann, Administrator
[email protected]

Magistrate
Garry D. Dalbey

Magistrate
Melanie S. Fahey

Linda H. Frary, Clerk of Courts
Phone:419-774-5549 Fax:419.774.5547
[email protected]

Denise Ruhl, Chief Deputy Clerk
Criminal Division Supervisor
Phone:419-774-3526
[email protected]

Judith Black
5th District Court of Appeals, Civil Division Supervisor
419-774-5655

Cathy Hawk
Certificate of Judgment and Domestic Supervisor
Phone:419-774-5544

Heidi Ewing
Finance Supervisor
Phone:419-526-7932

Prosecutor James J. Mayer, Jr

Posting bail for a loved one or friend can be confusing. Perhaps this will help you understand your options.

Why is bail set?
The purpose of bail is to insure that the person charged with an offense appears at all scheduled court hearings.

How is bail determined?
A bond is set one of three ways: either by a preset amount stated on the warrant, or based on a preset bond schedule set by the judge for the offense charged, or by the Judge at the arraignment.

Where is bail posted?
If the person is charged with an offense that has a preset bond, the defendant or someone on his/her behalf may post the bail at the court and if the court is closed, at the law enforcement agency charging the person.

Are there different types of bonds?
Yes. Some bonds only require a signature for release, some need cash posted to be released, while others need a bondsman to post a surety with the court. Your responsibility depends on the type of bond that is set by the court.

What are the three kinds of bonds?

1. Recognizance Bond (Unsecured Appearance Bond) – Sometimes referred to as a P.R. Bond. This one only requires the person who is charged with the offense to sign bond papers that are completed by the Clerk’s Office. It releases the accused in exchange for his/her promise to appear at court at a designated time. No other collateral need be posted. Failure to appear for all future court dates under a recognizance bond is a first degree misdemeanor.

1. Appearance Bond (Cash Bond) – This type of bond only requires 10% of the full amount of the bond to be posted. For example, if a $20,000.00 bond is set, you will only need to post $2,000.00 with the Clerk’s Office or the Law Enforcement Agency for the defendant to be released. If the person charged with the offense attends all court appearances, 90% of the money posted may be returned. Fines and costs may be paid out of this money before it is returned.

1. Surety Bond – This bond requires it to be secured by real estate, securities, or a cash deposit for the full amount of the bond at the option of the defendant. The posting of a surety power from an insurance company that guarantees the full amount of the bond is permitted. The bondsman will pay in the event the defendant does not appear for a scheduled court hearing and cannot be found as ordered by the Court.

Representatives of bonding companies are not agents of the court nor are they employed by the court. Bonding companies can be found by looking in the yellow pages of the telephone book.

CREDIT CARDS AND CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. CASH ONLY

PERSONAL RECOGNIZANCE OR PR BOND: When posting a PR bond the clerk will collect the appropriate PR fee required by the court. If the defendant violates this bond, and the court decides to execute for the entire amount of the bond, you can be responsible for payment of the bond until paid in full. This fee is non-refundable.

10% BONDS: When posting a 10% bond the Clerk will collect 10% of the total bond plus the PR fee. Upon disposition of the case, the clerk will refund the bond money minus 10% of the bond amount and the PR fee.

For example: If the bond is $2,500.00 10% you will post $250.00 plus the appropriate PR fee. If the defendant violates this bond and the court decides to execute the full amount of the bond, you can be responsible for payment of the entire amount until paid in full. A bonding company cannot post a 10% bond unless they are posting the 10% and the appropriate PR fees in cash.

CASH BONDS – When the court orders a cash bond, it is for the full amount of the bond. For example: If the bond is $2,500.00 you must post $2,500.00 in cash plus the appropriate PR fee .This bond can be posted by a bonding company for the $2,500.00 but the PR fee must be paid in cash. You are still under the same financial responsibility if the defendant violates this bond. Upon disposition of the case, if money is posted, the entire cash amount is refunded except the appropriate PR fee.

IF YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE YOUR MONEY PLACED IN THE DEFENDANT’S NAME, WE WILL NOT ISSUE A REFUND TO YOU IT WILL BE REFUNDED TO THE DEFENDANT.

REFUNDS – Bond money will be refunded after sentencing, dismissal or acquittal of charges. On dismissals and acquittals, the full amount of the money posted will be returned. Make sure you have the receipt and your identification. We will issue your refund by check only.

BOND REVOCATIONS: If the surety (individual or bonding company) wishes to revoke the bond, it must complete a revocation form supplied by this office. The defendant must be incarcerated in the Richland Co. Jail or Mansfield City Jail before any monies will be returned.

PLEASE NOTE: IF THE DEFENDANT PLEADS NO CONTEST, GUILTY, OR WAS FOUND GUILTY THE P. R. FEE AND THE 10% PORTION OF A 10% BOND WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.

If an attorney has been appointed for you by the Court and you are placed on probation,the Court may have ordered you, pursuant to R. C. 2942.51(D) to repay court appointed counsel fees through the Clerk’s office.

Cities and Towns:

Butler
Lexington
Lucas
Mansfield
Maybee
Ontario
Shelby
Shiloh