Cheviot Mayor’s Court
Cheviot Mayor’s Court is a local judicial forum in west-central Hamilton County, Ohio, authorized to hear certain non-violent misdemeanors, local ordinance violations, and traffic offenses. While less formal than county courts, Mayor’s Courts are not courts of record and do not conduct jury trials, but make no mistake, the outcomes are real. A conviction in Cheviot Mayor’s Court can still result in fines, jail time, license suspension, and a lasting mark on your criminal record.
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or traffic violation in Cheviot, your case may be scheduled before this unique local court. Attorney Brad Groene of Luftman, Heck & Associates has extensive experience representing clients in Mayor’s Courts throughout Hamilton County.
With over a decade of criminal defense success and a proven record of success, Brad knows how to protect your rights, reduce penalties, and pursue the best possible result in Ohio Mayor’s Court and beyond. For a free case evaluation, call LHA (513) 338-1890 or contact us 24/7.
Cheviot Mayor’s Court Location
Cheviot City Hall
3814 Harrison Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45211
(513) 661-2700
Court is held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Charges Heard in Cheviot Mayor’s Court
While Cheviot Mayor’s Court does not handle felonies or more serious misdemeanors, it routinely hears a wide range of lower-level offenses. These may seem minor, but they can still result in costly fines, license suspensions, and even jail time.
Cheviot Mayor’s Court OVI / DUIs
OVIs are aggressively enforced in Cheviot. If you’re pulled over near Harrison Avenue, North Bend Road, or other Cheviot thoroughfares and found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you could face:
- Mandatory license suspension
- Fines exceeding $1,000
- Yellow restricted plates
- Court-ordered driver intervention programs
- Jail time for repeat offenders
Even a first-time OVI can have long-term consequences. At LHA, we know how to challenge breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and procedural missteps to protect your license and future.
Traffic Violations in Mayor’s Court
Many cases in Cheviot Mayor’s Court involve moving violations such as:
- Speeding
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Driving under suspension (DUS)
- Failure to yield or improper lane changes
Although many drivers assume they should pay the fine, doing so is an admission of guilt. Traffic offenses can add points to your license, raise your insurance rates, and—if you accumulate too many lead to further suspension. Our attorneys regularly help clients reduce or dismiss these violations to protect their driving record.
Misdemeanors & Local Ordinance Violations
The local Cheviot Mayor’s Court also handles a variety of non-violent misdemeanors that can still disrupt your life, including:
Even if no jail time is likely, a conviction could still affect employment, education opportunities, or future court proceedings. Our mayor’s court defense attorneys work to minimize these consequences through negotiations, diversion programs, or case dismissals.
Cheviot Mayor’s Court does not have jurisdiction over domestic violence, felonies, or any case involving a protection order. These cases are automatically transferred to the Hamilton County Municipal Court or Common Pleas Court, where LHA provides aggressive and knowledgeable representation.
Penalties in Cheviot Mayor’s Court
Depending on the classification of your offense, you could face:
- First-degree misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines
- Second-degree misdemeanor – Up to 90 days in jail and $750 in fines
- Third-degree misdemeanor – Up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines
- Fourth-degree misdemeanor – Up to 30 days in jail and $250 in fines
- Minor misdemeanor – Fine up to $150, no jail time
OVI and license-related convictions may also carry additional administrative penalties, such as license suspension, restricted plates, or required ignition interlock devices.
Your Rights in Cheviot Mayor’s Court & Why You Need a Lawyer
While Cheviot Mayor’s Court may appear more informal than other courts, it still exercises legal authority, and you still retain your constitutional rights. Understanding and asserting these rights can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Unfortunately, many defendants unknowingly waive these protections by pleading guilty without fully understanding the consequences.
Here are the rights you maintain in Cheviot Mayor’s Court:
- The Right to Legal Counsel – Even for lower-level misdemeanors, you are entitled to consult and retain a defense lawyer who can guide you, explain the charges, and fight to minimize or eliminate penalties. If needed, the court may grant a continuance to allow you time to obtain counsel.
- The Right to Be Informed of the Charges Against You – You have the right to know exactly what you are being charged with, including the specific violation, the relevant code section, and the potential penalties. This is critical to building a proper defense—and avoiding unintended consequences like license suspension or a permanent criminal record.
- The Right to Review the Complaint – You are entitled to inspect the formal complaint filed against you. This includes learning who filed it, what evidence is being presented, and whether proper legal procedures were followed. A skilled attorney can review the complaint for errors or l violations that could lead to dismissal.
- The Right to Request a Jury Trial – Mayor’s Courts do not offer jury trials—but you can request to transfer your case to Hamilton County Municipal Court. This is especially important if you’re facing disputed facts, questionable police conduct or wish to preserve your rights in a court of record.
Don’t give up these rights by showing up alone or pleading guilty to “get it over with.” Even in Mayor’s Court, a conviction can result in unexpected consequences that follow you for years. Let an experienced defense attorney guide you, protect your rights, and help secure the best possible outcome.
Although Cheviot is now an independent city, it was initially part of Green Township. If you’re facing charges in Cheviot or the surrounding areas, our criminal defense attorneys in nearby Green Township are here to help. Call (513) 338-1890 for a free consultation before your court date.
Can I Appeal A Decision From Cheviot Mayor’s Court?
If you’re convicted in Cheviot Mayor’s Court, you can appeal the decision or request to transfer the case to Municipal Court. If applicable, this allows you to have the matter reviewed or retried before a judge or jury.
Should I Hire A Lawyer For Cheviot Mayor’s Court?
While the process may seem informal, the stakes are real. Fines, jail time, license suspension, and a criminal record are all possible outcomes. An experienced attorney can assess your case, negotiate with the prosecutor, and help avoid unnecessary penalties or long-term consequences.
Do I Have to Appear In Person At Cheviot Mayor’s Court?
In most cases, yes—but your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf, especially for traffic-related charges. We can advise you on whether you must attend or if legal counsel can appear in your place to resolve the matter.
Can I Get My Case Dismissed Or Reduced In Mayor’s Court?
Yes. Many cases, especially first-time offenders, are eligible for dismissal, reduction, or diversion programs. Our attorneys have a strong track record of negotiating favorable outcomes for clients in Mayor’s Courts throughout Hamilton County.
Need to Appear in Cheviot Mayor’s Court? Call LHA for a Free Consult 24/7
Don’t take chances if you’ve been cited, arrested, or summoned to appear in Cheviot Mayor’s Court. Get honest guidance, aggressive defense, and the benefit of deep local knowledge from an experienced and compassionate local criminal defense attorney.
From our West Cincinnati Office, Luftman, Heck & Associates, and attorney Brad Groene are here to help. Call (513) 338-1890 for a free and confidential consultation.
