Skip to main content
Common Pleas Court

General Division

The General Division of the Court of Common Pleas holds original jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases and civil litigation involving claims exceeding $15,000. Presided over by Judge Linda R. Warner, the court is committed to administering justice fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with the law.

Search Court Dockets & Records (Clerk of Courts)(opens in a new tab)

Criminal Cases

The criminal docket of the General Division encompasses all felony offenses arising within Meigs County. A felony is a serious criminal offense that carries the potential for a prison sentence of more than one year. The court ensures that defendants’ constitutional rights are protected while addressing the safety and concerns of the community.

How a criminal case begins

  • Indictment by the Meigs County Grand Jury — a grand jury of citizens reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and determines whether there is probable cause to formally charge a person with a felony offense.
  • Transfer from a County Court — the County Court may transfer a felony case to the Common Pleas Court after a preliminary hearing establishes probable cause.

The criminal court process

  • Arraignment — the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
  • Pretrial proceedings — the parties appear before the court to report on the status of the case, discovery, and the possibility of resolution. Some pretrial hearings may be held, with prior written permission, by Zoom.
  • Motions hearings — the court hears and determines any pending motions — such as motions to suppress or exclude evidence, discovery disputes, or other legal questions — before the case proceeds to plea or trial.
  • Plea or trial — most cases are resolved through a negotiated plea agreement; cases that do not resolve may proceed to a jury or bench trial.
  • Sentencing — upon conviction the court imposes a sentence that may include prison, community control, fines, restitution, or a combination of sanctions.

Related criminal matters

  • Grand Jury Indictments
  • Bond Hearings
  • Probation and Community Control Violations
  • Limited driving privileges — requests for occupational, educational, or other limited driving privileges during a license suspension.
  • Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) — relief from the collateral sanctions that can otherwise bar a person with a record from certain jobs or licenses.
  • Certificate of Qualification for Housing (CQH) — relief that allows a person with a record to be individually considered for housing.
  • Sealing or expungement of records — petitions to seal or expunge eligible criminal records.

Felony classifications in Ohio

Ohio law classifies felony offenses into five degrees, with first-degree felonies representing the most serious offenses.

Classification
Potential Prison Term
Felony of the First Degree (F1)
3–11 years definite, and up to 16.5 years indefiniteFine: Up to $20,000
Felony of the Second Degree (F2)
2–8 years definite, and up to 12 years indefiniteFine: Up to $15,000
Felony of the Third Degree (F3)
9 months – 36 monthsFine: Up to $10,000
Felony of the Fourth Degree (F4)
6–18 monthsFine: Up to $5,000
Felony of the Fifth Degree (F5)
6–12 monthsFine: Up to $2,500

Fine amounts shown are the statutory maximums for each degree; the court may also order restitution and other sanctions.

Adult Drug Court

The General Division operates an Adult Drug Court program — a specialized docket designed to address the underlying substance use disorder that often drives criminal behavior. Eligible participants enter into a structured program of treatment, regular court appearances, drug testing, and supervision in lieu of traditional incarceration. Successful completion of Drug Court can result in a reduced or dismissed charge. For more information about eligibility and the program structure, contact the court’s Drug Court Coordinator.

Drug Court Participant Handbook (2026)PDF

Program description, eligibility, the four phases, rules, sanctions and incentives, and graduation requirements.

(opens in a new tab)

Drug Court Participation AgreementPDF

The agreement each participant signs on admission to the Drug Court docket.

(opens in a new tab)

Community Control (Probation)

Individuals sentenced to community control are supervised by the court’s probation department in lieu of, or following, a period of incarceration. Conditions of community control may include regular reporting, substance abuse treatment (inpatient or outpatient), electronic monitoring, community service, local jail time, commitment to a community-based correctional facility, and/or payment of fines and restitution.

The probation department also provides pretrial supervision services and prepares pre-sentence investigation reports (PSIs) to assist the court in making informed sentencing decisions.

Standard Conditions of SupervisionPDF

The conditions every person placed on community control or probation supervision must follow.

(opens in a new tab)

Civil Litigation

The civil docket of the General Division covers a wide range of disputes between private parties, businesses, and governmental entities where no criminal conduct is alleged. Common civil matters heard in the General Division include, but are in no way limited to:

Contract DisputesBreaches of written or oral agreements, including commercial contracts, real estate transactions, and service agreements.
Property DisputesOwnership, use, or boundaries of real property, including quiet title actions and easement disputes.
Personal Injury ClaimsMonetary damages for injuries caused by the negligence or intentional conduct of another party.
Foreclosure ProceedingsActions brought by lenders to recover property when a borrower has defaulted on a mortgage obligation.
InjunctionsTemporary restraining orders and other injunctive relief.
Stalking, Sexually Oriented & Dating Violence Civil Protection OrdersPetitions for protection from menacing by stalking, sexually oriented offenses, or dating violence. Standardized forms are provided by the Ohio Supreme Court.(opens in a new tab)
Administrative AppealsAppeals from decisions of state and local administrative agencies, including certain zoning, licensing, and benefits matters.
Other Civil ActionsCivil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the jurisdictional limits of the County Court.

Monetary jurisdiction

As a court of general jurisdiction, the Common Pleas Court may hear civil cases regardless of the dollar amount in dispute. Cases involving claims of $15,000 or less may also be heard in the Meigs County Court; cases involving more than $15,000 are typically filed in the Common Pleas Court.

The civil court process

  • Filing a complaint — the plaintiff files a complaint setting forth the facts and legal claims at issue.
  • Service of process — the defendant is formally notified of the lawsuit and provided an opportunity to respond.
  • Answer and discovery — the defendant files a response and the parties exchange relevant information and evidence.
  • Motions and hearings — the court may hear pretrial motions to resolve legal issues or narrow the scope of the case.
  • Trial or settlement — many cases are resolved through negotiated settlement; cases that do not settle proceed to a bench or jury trial.
  • Judgment and enforcement — the court enters judgment and, if necessary, the prevailing party may pursue enforcement remedies.

Courtroom & Staff

The following court staff support the General Division’s criminal and civil operations. Each person’s full duties and contact details are in the staff directory.

Courtroom Conduct

Appropriate attire and decorum are strictly enforced. Cell phones must be turned off before entering the courtroom and may be confiscated if used during proceedings. Hats and non-religious head coverings must be removed.

Transcripts

Official transcripts of court proceedings must be requested in writing through the Court Reporter’s office. Fees apply per page as established by local rule.