FAQs • What is restitution?

What is restitution?: Restitution is payment to a victim for damages or out-of-pocket expenses caused by the Defendant. As a courtesy to the victim, our office attempts to collect restitution from the Defendant who is accused of causing the loss (ex. deductible, rental car fees). We accept cash or money order as forms of payment for restitution by the Defendant. Restitution is a civil matter and if our office is not successful in collecting restitution, the victim can file a civil suit against the Defendant.

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City Attorney

2. Can I hire the City Attorney?: No, the City Attorney cannot represent the citizens of Whitehall individually. Please see the services we provide to the City on our main page. You may contact the Columbus Bar Association for an attorney referral. Columbus Bar Association

3. How do I file criminal charges against an individual?: Please contact the police department in the city where the crime occurred. If the crime occurred in Whitehall, click here:

4. I received a subpoena to appear in court, what should I do?: A subpoena is a court order whereby you are ordered to appear in court. Your employer is obligated to allow you to attend court without any penalty. Should you have any extenuating circumstances, please contact our office at (614) 237-9802.

5. What is a victims’ advocate?: A victims’ advocate is an employee of the City Attorney’s office who provides assistance to victims of domestic violence situation. The advocate acts as a liaison between the victim and the prosecuting attorney. Advocates understand the criminal process and will explain each step of the criminal process to the victim and answer any questions they might have.

6. How do I obtain a protection order?: Click on the link to obtain protection order information. Domestic Violence Information

7. Who do I contact regarding landlord/tenant issues?: You may contact the Columbus Urban League at (614) 257-6300. If you have questions about evictions, you may contact the Franklin County Municipal Court – Civil Division at (614) 645-7220 prompt 4.

8. What is a civil matter?: Civil Matters are any legal matter that is not criminal. Common civil matters include landlord/tenant issues, contract disputes and personal injury. If you have a civil matter, you should consult your personal attorney or the Columbus Bar Association for a referral (CBA link). Columbus Bar Association

9. How do I know when my next Whitehall Mayor's Court date is?: By visiting the following link:
Whitehall Mayor's Court

10. How do I know when my next Franklin County Municipal Court date is?: By visiting the following link:
Franklin County Municipal Court

11. Can I obtain Driving Privileges from Whitehall Mayor’s Court?: A person that is convicted in Whitehall Mayor’s Court of OVI (Operating Vehicle Impaired) can obtain driving privileges through our office. A person that lost their driving privileges because of a suspension can contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or Franklin County Municipal Court to obtain driving privileges.

12. What is restitution?: Restitution is payment to a victim for damages or out-of-pocket expenses caused by the Defendant. As a courtesy to the victim, our office attempts to collect restitution from the Defendant who is accused of causing the loss (ex. deductible, rental car fees). We accept cash or money order as forms of payment for restitution by the Defendant. Restitution is a civil matter and if our office is not successful in collecting restitution, the victim can file a civil suit against the Defendant.

13. How can I find out if a person is in jail or has been released from jail?: You can contact VINE at (800) 770-0192 or go to the following link. VINE

14. How do I file a complaint against the City of Whitehall?: If you believe that the City of Whitehall has done something or failed to do something the result of which causes you property damage or personal injury, you should click the link below to go to obtain claim information. You may also want to consult an attorney of your choice.
Whitehall Claim Form