The mission of Pataskala Mayor’s Court is to fairly and impartially decide cases, and administer justice and assistance for all citizens that may find themselves in the court.

The Court consist of a Magistrate, Prosecutor, and a Certified Mayor’s Court Clerk, and it operates under the direction of the Mayor of Pataskala.

The Court has a goal to deliver outstanding customer service by providing efficient records management, and financial services, while coordinating court proceedings for individuals and agencies involved with the justice system.

All court records are maintained with the highest integrity and accountability.  The court is also responsible to collect and disburse payments in accordance to the Ohio Revised Code. To notify all legally mandated stakeholders of court case dispositions. To provide accurate and timely support and information to court officials, law enforcement, defendants and the general public.

The Clerk of Court is located in Suite 2B at 621 West Broad Street, Pataskala, Ohio 43062. Office hours are from 8am – 4pm Monday thru Friday.

Traffic Violations & Misdemeanor Cases

All traffic and misdemeanor cases (except juvenile,domestic violence and repeat OVI offenses) can be heard in Mayor’s Court. Mayor’s Court is designed to be a community court which is better suited to accommodate the local citizens. Since they are smaller than Municipal Courts, people spend less time in court and have a less stressful environment. Promptness and appropriate dress are required. Citations for traffic violations may be paid online, by mail or paid in person to the Clerk of Court prior to, or on the day of the court appearance.

Failure to appear for court on the appropriate date may result in a warrant for your arrest being issued, a block on all vehicle registrations, and a possible driver’s license forfeiture sent to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If you are unable to attend a scheduled court date, you must appear in person at the Clerk’s Office and request a continuance, at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled court date. Continuances are not given over the phone. If the request is for good cause and you’ve had no prior continuances, the Clerk will re-schedule the case, one time only, for one week without penalty. Failure to appear for any scheduled hearing may result in a warrant being issued for failure to appear and this will require that bond be posted to get back into court. You can call the court at (740) 927-3361 to find out your bond amount.

Mayor’s Court is held before a Magistrate, who is an attorney. Pataskala’s Mayors Court Magistrate is Charles (Kip) Kelsey. Magistrate Kelsey has been serving the Pataskala’s Mayor’s Court since March 2007. He has practiced law since 1975 following his graduation from Denison University and the Syracuse College of Law. Magistrate Kelsey previously served as a prosecutor for Franklin County and was a defense attorney in private practice. Magistrate Kelsey’s previous professional experience makes him well suited to preside over the Pataskala Mayor’s Court in a fair and impartial manner.

Jury Trials

Mayor’s Court does not hold Jury Trials. Any person wishing to have their case heard by a Jury will have the case transferred to Licking County Municipal Court (minor misdemeanor cases are not entitled to a Jury Trial). A person can have their case determined by a judge in the Licking County Municipal Court at any time. Also, if a person is found guilty of an offense they can appeal their case to the Licking County Municipal Court for a re-trial.