FAQs • Clark County, OH • CivicEngage

I would like to know what is going on with a case in which I am a victim. Whom should I call?: The Clark County Prosecutor's Office Victim Witness Division is the entity responsible for keeping victims informed on the status of a case. Please call the Victim Witness Division at (937) 521-1794.

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Prosecutor

1. Why was my case dismissed when the suspect was just recently arrested?: Felony cases are initially filed in the Clark County Municipal Court. The only court with jurisdiction to handle felony cases is the Clark County Common Pleas Court. A case is taken to Common Pleas Court after the initial charge by presenting the case to the grand jury. After an indictment is issued by the grand jury, the case is dismissed out of Municipal Court and transferred to Common Pleas Court. The newspaper and the Municipal Court website will report that the case was dismissed. While the case was dismissed out of Municipal Court, 90% of the time that case has actually been transferred to Common Pleas Court and is still open.

2. How do I file charges against someone?: You should start by filing a report with the law enforcement jurisdiction where the crime occurred. (Springfield Police Division, Clark County Sheriff's Department, Enon Police Department, German Township Police Department, etc.) If the suspect is a juvenile you can come to the Clark County Prosecutor's Office and pick up a juvenile charge packet. When you complete the charge packet, the Clark County Prosecutor's Office will facilitate that packet being filed in the Clark County Juvenile Court.

3. I was recently arrested and have questions about my case. Can I talk to someone in your office?: No! Call your attorney. Employees of the Clark County prosecutor's office are not permitted to have contact with a defendant/suspect who has an attorney. Prosecutor Question

4. I am a victim of a crime that occurred in the City of Springfield. Does the City Prosecutor's Office handle my case?: There are two prosecutor's offices in Clark County. The Clark County Prosecutor's Office, and the City Prosecutor's Office. The Clark County Prosecutor's Office has jurisdiction over felony cases, felony traffic cases, and juvenile court. The City Prosecutor's Office has jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases and non-felony traffic cases. If a misdemeanor traffic accident occurs in Northridge, it will be handled by the City Prosecutor's Office. Conversely, if a felony burglary crime occurs in the City of Springfield, it will be handled by the Clark County Prosecutor's Office. The responsibilities of the offices are set by the subject matter jurisdiction, not the geographical venue.

5. My family member was recently arrested. Can I get a copy of their discovery packet?: No. Call your family member's attorney.

6. I have information about a crime, who do I call?: You should contact the law enforcement office where the crime occurred. However, you can also call our office at (937) 521-1770, and we will get the information to the appropriate jurisdiction.

7. I would like to know what is going on with a case in which I am a victim. Whom should I call?: The Clark County Prosecutor's Office Victim Witness Division is the entity responsible for keeping victims informed on the status of a case. Please call the Victim Witness Division at (937) 521-1794.

8. How do I request the prosecutor to speak at my event?: For details on how to request a speaking engagement, please visit the following webpage: Schedule Speaking Engagement