You may visit the criminal division during the office hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday (drive-thru is open until 5:00 PM) and 8:00 AM to noon on Friday. The phone number is (419) 352-5263, extension 1 for the Clerk’s Office, then extension 1 again for the Criminal Division.
Criminal cases heard in the Bowling Green Municipal Court are misdemeanor charges that carry a maximum incarceration period of twelve (12) months and a maximum fine of $1,000. Offenses carrying a greater penalty (felony charges) may initially be handled in this court until a probable cause hearing is held. If probable cause is found, the case will be sent to the Wood County Common Pleas Court for final disposition. There are several “degrees” of criminal offenses. The degree of the offense you are charged with will usually determine whether or not you must appear in court. While most criminal offenses do require a court appearance, some minor misdemeanor offenses may be concluded by paying a predetermined amount called a “waiver”. In those instances, the case is considered concluded upon receipt of the waiver amount.
BASIC COSTS AND FEES
Court costs are a minimum $90.00 for all cases (including charges that can be waived). In some cases there may be additional fees charged.
Read MoreCONTINUANCES
The deputy clerks can not reschedule or continue any type of court hearing over the telephone at any time.
COURT APPEARANCE REQUIRED
What to expect when you arrive at court, and general information on the arraignment process is explained.
Read MoreDEGREES OF OFFENSES AND MAXIMUM PENALTIES
This table will give you the maximum fine and jail time that may be imposed.
Read MoreFAILURE TO APPEAR
Failure to appear in court as required will result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest and the court will notify the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles of your failure to appear. The BMV will withhold the issuance or renewal of your driver’s license and registration, and suspend your driving privileges until the case is concluded.
METHODS OF PAYMENT
Payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, debit card, money order, certified check, personal check (up to $500), or cash. Be sure to include the case number that you are making a payment on, or the front and back of the signed waiver slip that you are paying.
WAIVERABLE OFFENSES – CRIMINAL
Some minor misdemeanor offenses may be concluded by paying a waiver amount and not appearing in court.
