Lincoln Heights Mayor's Court
Deborah K. Gaines, Magistrate
Elizabeth Tye, Prosecutor
Vikki Bowers, Clerk of Court
Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey, Mayor
Jeannie Stinson, Vice Mayor
Court sessions held 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month @ 4:30 (Holiday exceptions)
Village Municipal Building
1201 Steffen Avenue
Lincoln Heights, OH 45215
(513) 733-5900
Do I need to appear in Court?
The bottom right of the ticket will have a box checked YES if appearance in court is required (non-waiverable offense). If checked NO, payment can be made at the Clerk’s Office prior to court (waiverable offense). An additional $37.00 late fee is added after seven (7) days.
What happens when I appear in Mayor’s Court?
As a defendant, you are entitled to be informed of the nature of the charge. If you do not understand the charge, please say so when your case is called. After being informed of the charge, you will be asked to plead either guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
If you plead guilty or no contest, a short statement of the facts will be made to the Court. If you do not dispute the essential elements of the offense, then the Court will enter a finding. You may then tell the Magistrate any facts which you feel may explain the circumstances or lessen the charge. If a fine, court costs or incarceration is imposed, you are expected to make arrangements for payment or serving time that night.
You may make a plea of one of the following for your case:
A plea of guilty is an admission that you have committed the offense of which you have been charged. If you plead guilty, a statement will be given on behalf of the Village concerning the events constituting the charge. If you choose, you will then be permitted to make a statement on your own behalf. If you are found guilty, a record of the conviction will be sent to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (for traffic violations) and will become part of your driving record.
A plea of no contest is not an admission of guilt, but it is an admission of the facts alleged in the complaint or traffic citation as well as other facts presented by the prosecution at the time of the plea. You are leaving it up to the Court to decide if you are guilty or not guilty based on those facts. You should realize that in almost every instance a plea of no contest will result in a guilty finding. If you are found guilty, a record of the conviction will be sent to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (for traffic violations) and will become part of your driving record.
A plea of not guilty requires a trial. At the trial, the Village must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Please do not hesitate to plead not guilty if you feel you are not guilty of the charge, or if you dispute the facts stated in the complaint or traffic citation. If you plead not guilty, your case will be set for trial tried 2 to 4 weeks from your initial court appearance.
What happens if I can’t be in court on the date noted on my citation?
If your ticket states you need to appear and you fail to do so, the Magistrate will issue a Capias. A Capias is a warrant for your arrest.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
Can I request a continuance?
You must appear before the Magistrate to be granted a Continuance.
There may be a $5.00 fee which must be paid, in cash to the Clerk of Courts, at the time of your request.
What are the court costs?
Court costs are $103.00
Can I "Stay to Pay?"
No, we do not have Stay to Pay
How can I pay my fines?
You can pay your citation by phone at (513) 733-5900 option 2, in person, or online by clicking the payment tab above.
Acceptable payment methods are exact cash, money orders, credit/debit cards, or a certified check payable to the Village of Lincoln Heights Mayor’s Court
NO CASH PAYMENTS accepted after NOON on Court day; however, credit/debit transactions may be made until 2:00 P.M.
Courtroom Rules
- No Children are allowed in the courtroom; they are to remain in the foyer with a responsible adult;
- All cell phones must be turned off or placed in silent mode. Cell phones may be confiscated if disruptive to the proceedings;
- No head coverings (hats/caps on men) are permitted if not for a religious reason;
- Pants must be pulled up – no underwear showing;
- No inappropriate wording on clothing;
- No tight-fitting revealing outerwear on anyone.
- Violation of any of the Courtroom Rules will result in you being asked to leave the Courtroom and your case will automatically be continued to the next Court date.