Wayne County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas Bail Bonds & Bond Information

After arraignment at Wayne County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas

The Wayne County Court of Common Pleas, General Division (107 West Liberty Street, Wooster), has jurisdiction over adult felony criminal cases. It is not, however, where most defendants first appear. After an arrest, the initial appearance and arraignment for both misdemeanors and felonies typically occur in the Wayne County Municipal Court (215 N. Grant St., Wooster; 330-287-5650), which sets the initial bond under Ohio Criminal Rule 46. In felony cases, the Municipal Court holds the preliminary hearing; if probable cause is found (or waived) and the grand jury returns an indictment, the case is bound over to the Court of Common Pleas. At that point the Common Pleas judge arraigns the defendant on the indictment and may continue, modify, increase, or reduce bond. Judges set bond considering the nature of the offense, the defendant's history, flight risk, and public safety, and may impose personal recognizance, cash, 10% deposit, or surety (bail bond) conditions. Confirm hearing dates and bond status with the Clerk of Courts.