Criminal Division

The Criminal Division is concerned with criminal cases whose incarceration penalty is 12 months or less and fine is $1,000.00 or less. Offenses carrying greater penalties than these are handled by the Butler County Common Pleas Court. These are usually referred to as Felonies.

Felony cases are heard by a grand jury before going to common pleas court. There are several ways cases can go to the grand jury. But when a felony is charged through the municipal court, the court has a preliminary hearing to see if probable cause has been established. If probable cause has been established the municipal court judge binds the case over to the grand jury.