Effective immediately, all felony bond hearings in Columbus, Ohio / Franklin County will be conducted remotely via videoconferencing.
Defendants will no longer be transported to the courthouse for in-person bond hearings, and will instead use court-provided technology to attend hearings virtually.
Ohio Courts & COVID-19
Franklin County’s move to 100% videoconferencing for bond hearings is the latest step in a months-long transition to use alternative technologies for court processes, and reduce risks of exposure.
In April, videoconferencing and related remote technologies were approved for all proceedings, including video arraignments for in-custody defendants held at the Main jail and Jackson Pike. In May, the Franklin County Courthouse also announced it would be requiring masks and enforcing social distancing protocols throughout the summer.
As with bond hearings, proceedings are generally handled in the same manner as in-person hearings, with the exception of defendants not being physically present in the courtroom, and forms being prepared and signed electronically.
KBN: Committed to Our Clients
Koffel Brininger Nesbitt is complying with pandemic-related policies implemented by local courts, and is staying ahead of the curve with new and anticipated changes to ensure our clients are prepared.
Though things may be different, it is business as usual for KBN. Our team of award-winning attorneys and support staff are available 7 days a week to new and former clients, and remain as committed as ever to protecting their rights, freedoms, and futures.