Domestic Violence FAQs

1. Can I get the case dismissed?
   Whether the case is in warrant status or currently pending, you, as the survivor, do not have the ability to dismiss the case. You may relay your wants and wishes, which is highly encouraged, but the prosecutor makes the decision on what they offer in the case as it’s State of Ohio vs the offender and not the survivor vs the offender.
2. How do I check the status of court dates?
   You can check the status of a case by knowing the offender’s name and/or case number and by going to the following link https://www.fcmcclerk.com/case/search. Additionally, advocates reach out to survivors on protection order eligible crimes through phone and text to update you on the status of the case. It is very important that the City Attorney’s Office has your correct phone and address in order to notify you.
3. How do I know when the defendant is released from jail?
   VINE provides a service of alerting you through phone, text, and/or email when a defendant is being released. You can sign up for VINE by going to the following link - https://vinelink.com/state/OH
4. When is my voice heard?
   You have the right to make a statement at any hearing. Additionally, survivors can make a Victim Impact statement at the resolution of the case to put on the record your thoughts and feelings. You may read this statement yourself or someone, including the advocate or prosecutor, can read it on your behalf. This would be in open court for the judge, defense attorney, and defendant to hear.
5. What should I expect on the day of court?
   For arraignment court, you may come to make a statement, watch, or request a protection order. You have to be in person to request the protection order. Otherwise, court hearings are long; nothing happens chronologically or alphabetically. You may be on call or required to come. It is important to keep in touch with the Prosecutor’s Office to know their expectations for your appearance. Expect to be here for a few hours. You’re welcome to bring a snack, something to do, and a support person. There is a safe waiting room in the courthouse where you can wait until your hearing is called. Your advocate can advise you where that is. Unless there is a trial or a specific hearing, your presence in the actual courtroom is not required.
6. What do bond conditions mean?
   Bond conditions are given so the defendant is aware of what do or not do when released from the jail. Common bond conditions include:
   Stay Away – The defendant is not to contact you or be around you in any shape or form. This includes through phone, email, or any other means.
   No Further Acts or Threats of Violence – The defendant is not to commit or threaten to commit any acts of violence to anyone.
   No Firearms or Weapons – The defendant is not to possess any firearms or any weapons.
   No Alcohol or Drugs – The defendant is not to consume alcohol or drugs and is subject to screenings.
   Pre-Trial Services – The defendant may be ordered to be on pre-trial services, which is a department in probation. They may be ordered to check in with a pre-trial service officer and/or complete assessments as deemed appropriate.
   SCRAM – The defendant may have to wear a SCRAM monitor that detects alcohol in their blood stream. This is monitored by pre-trial services.
   GPS – The defendant may be ordered to wear a GPS monitor with exclusion zones.
7. Do I have to talk to the offender’s attorney or an investigator?
   No. You do not. If you wish to, you can also ask for an advocate or prosecutor from the Prosecutor’s Office to be with you to speak to the offender’s attorney or investigator.
8. Where can I park?
   There are several parking garages around the courthouse. The closest one is the parking garage at 34 E. Fulton Street. The court does not validate parking. You may talk with an advocate from the Prosecutor’s Office about parking vouchers, if available.
9. I was hit or hurt in the head, neck, or face during the assault, should I be concerned?
   Yes, injuries to the head, neck, and face often go unseen. You can be seriously hurt by injuries you cannot see or feel. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. To learn more about head, neck, or face injuries, you can visit the Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s (ODVN) website on partner inflicted brain injury https://www.odvn.org/brain-injury/.
10. What can I do if bond conditions are violated?
    Making a police report is helpful but not required. Police do not arrest on bond violations unless a crime is committed. Document and collect evidence of the bond violation as best you can. You can tell the advocate assigned to the case your concern with the violations and make a plan to address this with the prosecutor and/or judge if/when necessary. What you allow will continue. It is important to address bond violations sooner rather than later. Please contact the Prosecutor’s Office ASAP with your concerns.