Campbell County Circuit Court

Court Information

If you are charged with a felony or capital offense in Campbell County, your case will go through the Campbell County Circuit Court. You may also have to appear in Campbell County Circuit Court if you are dealing with a significant civil matter, a family legal matter, land dispute, or probate case.

Judge Woeste only handles family law cases. Judges Ward and Zalla handle criminal court matters and may preside over your case.

Court Process Information

Our Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates are ready to help you through this process. We are proud to represent individuals throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky. We are well versed in Campbell County’s local court rules and procedures, which we will utilize to prepare you for court and to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

We know that facing felony charges is frightening and intimidating. Putting up a strong defense is essential, and it is the only way to prove your innocence, or in the event of a conviction, mitigate the criminal penalties. However, you cannot build the strongest defense possible by representing your case or working with a public defender. To vigorously defend yourself in court, you need the knowledge, experience, and resources of a private Campbell County criminal defense lawyer.

Contact Luftman, Heck & Associates at (513) 338-1890 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation. We are available 24/7 to protect your rights and answer your questions. While our office is in Cincinnati, we will travel to you and where your case takes place.

The Campbell County Circuit Court

The Campbell County Courthouse and the County Circuit Court Clerk are located at 330 York Street, Newport, KY 41071. The courthouse is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To reach the circuit court, you may call (859) 292-6314.

The Campbell County Circuit Court has three judges: Julie Reinhardt Ward, Richard A. Woeste, and Daniel J. Zalla. However, Judge Woeste only handles family law cases. Judges Ward and Zalla handle criminal court matters and may preside over your case.

The Campbell County Circuit Clerk, who is responsible for the non-judicial administration of the court, is Taunya Nolan Jack. The circuit clerk’s office will have a number of other employees who you or your Campbell County criminal defense lawyer may interact with during your case.

The Process for Felony Charges in Kentucky

In Kentucky, felony offenses are those that can be punished with one year or more in prison. These are serious criminal offenses, though there are a wide range of felony crimes, designated as Class A, B, C, or D. A Class D felony is only one step above a misdemeanor crime, while a Class A is a very serious felony, punishable with up to 50 years in prison or life in prison. The most serious felonies are called capital offenses, and they are punishable by up to life in prison or the death penalty. For example, murder is a capital offense.

The process of being charged with a felony is slightly different than for a misdemeanor because it involves a grand jury. When it comes to felony charges, your case may begin with an arrest. However, it does not have to. If there is evidence you committed a crime, the prosecutor may file a complaint against you.

Whether or not you were originally arrested, the prosecutor can file formal charges against you and you will receive a summon to court for your initial appearance. At this proceeding, you learn about the allegations against you, your right to an attorney, information on upcoming proceedings, and your bail terms, if you are currently being held in jail.

After your initial appearance, a preliminary hearing is set. If you have not hired an attorney yet, it is time to call a Campbell County criminal defense lawyer from Luftman, Heck & Associates. During the preliminary hearing, the judge determines whether there is probable cause that you committed the crime. This is your first opportunity to defend yourself and to fight the criminal charges.

If the judge finds there is probable cause, your case is bound over to a grand jury, which is a secretive proceeding. During a grand jury, a prosecutor presents evidence to the jurors in hopes that they will agree that there is probable cause you committed a crime and will hand down an indictment.

If you are indicted for a felony by a grand jury, or you waive your right to a grand jury, then you may be arrested or receive a summons for your arraignment, at which you enter your initial plea. Following the arraignment, your Campbell County criminal defense attorney will utilize discovery and prepare for trial. This may include participating in pretrial hearings and negotiating a plea bargain. If you do not accept a plea deal, then your attorney will fight to exonerate you at trial.

Preparing for Court in Campbell County

When you must appear in court in Campbell County on felony charges, you should plan ahead. It is best to work with an experienced Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer to prepare for your court appearance. For each hearing, you should know what time the hearing is set for and its location. You should confirm you have transportation to the hearing and prepare to be there at least 30 minutes early. If you work or take care of your children, be sure to take time off of work or hire a babysitter.

The courtroom is not a casual place, though it is not overly conservative either. You may not need to wear a full suit and tie or a conservative dress, however, you should not wear jeans and t-shirts. Talk with your lawyer about wearing business casual clothing, such as slacks and a button-up shirt, sweater, or blouse.

Additionally, weapons are not allowed in the courthouse. Leave any knives, pepper sprays, firearms, or other weapons at home the day of your hearing.

A Campbell County Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Here to Help

When you are charged with a state-level felony in Campbell County, you are going to need a lawyer’s help. It is best if you work with an experienced defense attorney who has represented individuals in Campbell County before and knows the court’s local rules. Attorney Brad Groene from Luftman, Heck & Associate’s Cincinnati office has represented many individuals in Northern Kentucky. He is prepared to travel to Campbell County for you as he has done for many clients before.

It is important for Brad that you know you come first. As his client, you will have access to him 24/7. He is always there to answer your questions or address a concern. He makes sure you always know your rights, your legal options, and the potential outcomes of your case.

To talk with a lawyer about defending you in Campbell County, KY, call (513) 338-1890 or contact us online.