CARROLL COUNTY
        PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
         
         
        FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
        (FAQ)
         

        General Questions

        Q:     What does the Prosecutor do?
         

          The prosecutor prosecutes criminal action that violates state laws and represents Carroll     County as its civil attorney.  See also the Duties page for more information.
           
        Q:    How do I contact the Prosecutor's Office?
         
          You can send mail to the Prosecutor at 49 Public Square, Carrollton, OH 44615
          You can telephone the Prosecutor at (330) 627-4555
          You can fax the Prosecutor at (330) 627-4591
          You can email the Prosecutor at ccpd@raex.com
           
        Q:     How do I know if my problem is a criminal or civil one?
         
          If your problem deals with the criminal laws of the State of Ohio (e.g. theft, assault, murder) then the prosecutor will be more than happy to assist you.  If not then your  problem is civil (e.g. landlord/tenant problems, divorce, I sold somebody my property and they won't pay me).  Then you can either 1. contact a private attorney or 2. file a suit in small claims court (if the amount in controversy is below $3000 and no attorney is needed.  See also civil section below for more information.  If you can not afford an attorney you might be eligible for free attorney from the Southeastern Ohio Legal Services.  To see if you qualify call (330) 364-7769.
           
        Q:     How do I talk to about collecting child support?
         
          Contact the Carroll County Bureau of Support at (330) 627-5357
           
           
        Criminal Questions

        Q:     I have witnessed a crime or have information about a crime?
         

          You should contact either the police department in the town that you live in or if you live outside of a town call the Carroll County Sheriff's Office at (330) 627-2141
           
        Q:     I have information about someone who has a warrant out for their arrest- who can I talk to?
         
          Call the Carroll County Sheriff's Department or the police department where you live.
           
        Q:     My spouse, family member, or person that I am living with abuses me. what   can I do?
         
          First call the Carroll County Sheriff or Police Department that covers your area where you live.  The Prosecutor will follow up in the appropriate cases with prosecution which may also include the issuance of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO).  See also the Victim's Assistance Page.
           
        Q:     What is the difference between a "Temporary Protection Order" a "Restraining Order" and a "no-contact order?"
         
          They all do the basic same thing.  They all are orders by the court for a person to stop doing something such as stay away from a person.
           
        Q:     How do I know if I qualify to obtain a Temporary Protection Order?
         
          The Prosecutor can only obtain a Temporary Restraining Order in domestic violence cases.  A person can still obtain a civil restraining order by themselves. See below for more information.
           
        Q:     How do I know when I need to show up for court?
         
          If you witness an incident that becomes a criminal case and a trial is going to occur you will be notified by a subpoena.  The subpoena will tell you when and where to go.  If you are the victim of a crime, the Carroll County Victim's Assistance Program will notify you of when and where you need to go.
           
        Q:     I received a subpoena and do not want to testify or can't testify on that day.
         
          A subpoena is an order by the court for you to show up and testify.  Not obeying a subpoena is contempt of court and a person can be punished with jail time and/or fines.
           
        Q:     How do I drop charges?
         
          Once charges have been filed ONLY the Judge can dismiss them.
           
        Q:    How do I find out if a Defendant is still in jail?
         
          Contact the Carroll County Sheriff's Department or the Police Department where the Defendant is being held.
           
        Q:    Who do I talk to about Restitution payments owed to me?
         
          Contact the Carroll County Victims Assistance Program at (330) 627-5148 or (800) 589-2029.  See also the Victim's Assistance Page.
           
        Q:    Who do I talk to about Victim's Compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, etc...?
         
          Contact the Carroll County Victims Assistance Program at (330) 627-5148 or (800) 589-2029.  See also the Victim's Assistance Page.
         
        Q:    What if I can't afford an attorney to represent me in my criminal case?
         
          The United States Supreme Court in Gideon v. Wainwright held that if a person can not afford an attorney that one will be appointed for them.  To find out if you qualify for a court appointed attorney call the Joint County Public Defenders Office at (330) 364-1811.

        Civil Questions

        Q:     How do I get a civil restraining order?
         

          If someone if harassing you, such as a ex-boyfriend, ex-girlfriend, or an neighbor, then you can go to the Carroll County Court on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse in Carrollton and ask to get a civil restraining order.  We would recommend that you talk to an attorney and have him/her file the necessary paper work for you.
           
        Q:     I live in Carroll County.  Who do I talk to about my divorce?
         
          We recommend that you should call a private attorney, look in the yellow pages for the nearest one to you.  If you can not afford an attorney you might be eligible for free attorney from the Southeastern Ohio Legal Services.  To see if you qualify call (330) 364-7769.  You can also call the Court of Common Pleas at (330) 627-2450 or visit them in person on the 4th floor of the Carroll County Courthouse.
           
        Q:     Who do I talk to about a bad check?
         
          Collection on a bad check is a civil matter but unlike most other counties in Ohio the Carroll County Prosecutor's Office provides a service to help on collecting of bad checks.  Contact our office at (330) 627-4555 to see if you qualify?
           
        Q:     Who do I talk to about a landlord/tenant problem?
         
          We recommend that you call a private attorney.  If you can not afford an attorney you might be eligible for free attorney from the Southeastern Ohio Legal Services.  To see if you qualify call (330) 364-7769.
           
        Q:     Who do I talk to about problems with a contractor, shop keeper, or other person who provides products or services?
         
          We recommend that you call a private attorney.  If you can not afford an attorney you might be eligible for free attorney from the Southeastern Ohio Legal Services.  To see if you qualify call (330) 364-7769.
         
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