A Few “Quick” Tips on Traffic Tickets and Speedy Trials

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 10, Article I of the Ohio Constitution guarantee a criminal defendant the right to a speedy trial. Ohio Rev. Code 2945.71(A) provides that a person against whom a charge of minor misdemeanor is pending in a court of record shall be brought to trial within thirty days after the person's arrest or the service of summons.

Upon motion made at or prior to the commencement of trial, a person charged with an offense shall be discharged if he is not brought to trial within the time required. Once the defendant moves for discharge and presents a prima facie case that he is entitled to discharge, the State must prove that the trial commenced within the proper period. If the state fails, the defendant should be released.

Officers usually set your first court date about two weeks after your ticketed. If you plead not guilty at your first court appearance, the government may have a difficult time arranging for a trial 30 days after your ticketed. You may get your case dismissed