In Ohio, a County Prosecutor (also known as the Prosecuting Attorney) is an elected official responsible for representing the state in criminal cases, providing legal counsel to county officials, and handling certain civil matters. The role is governed by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 309.01–309.17 and is a key component of the county’s justice system. Here’s a detailed breakdown of a County Prosecutor’s duties:
- Criminal Prosecution
- Prosecute felony and misdemeanor cases in the Court of Common Pleas, municipal courts, and juvenile courts on behalf of the state (ORC 309.08).
- Example: Try a case of burglary or assault in court.
- Legal Counsel for County
- Serve as the legal advisor to county commissioners, elected officials, and county agencies, providing guidance on contracts, policies, and disputes.
- Example: Advise the county on a labor contract’s legality.
- Civil Litigation
- Represent the county in civil lawsuits, such as tax disputes, zoning issues, or liability claims.
- Example: Defend the county against a wrongful termination lawsuit.
- Victim Advocacy
- Support crime victims by coordinating with victim services and ensuring their rights are upheld during prosecution.
- Example: Assist a domestic violence victim through the trial process.
- Juvenile and Child Welfare Cases
- Handle delinquency cases in juvenile court and pursue actions related to child abuse or neglect.
- Example: Prosecute a juvenile for vandalism or file for protective custody in a neglect case.
- Community Safety Initiatives
- Develop programs to prevent crime, such as drug task forces or community outreach.
- Example: Launch an anti-opioid campaign with local law enforcement.
- Office Management
- Oversee assistant prosecutors, staff, and the office budget.
- Example: Hire a new assistant prosecutor to handle felony cases.
County Prosecutors in Ohio serve 4-year terms and are elected in even-numbered presidential election years (e.g., 2024, 2028). The role is typically full-time, requiring legal expertise and admission to the Ohio Bar.
How to Run for County Prosecutor in Ohio: Requirements and Steps
County Prosecutor elections occur in even-numbered presidential years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Below is a guide tailored to a November 7, 2028, election, with a 4-year term starting January 1, 2029. Confirm details with your county board of elections, as signature requirements vary by county population.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
- Residency: Live in the county for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 309.01).
- Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the county.
- No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting public offices (ORC 309.02).
- Qualifications (ORC 309.02):
- Must be a licensed attorney admitted to the Ohio Bar, in good standing.
- Must be authorized to practice law in Ohio courts.
Steps to Run for Office
- Research Local Rules
- Confirm the 2028 election cycle for your county’s prosecutor seat.
- Check signature requirements and the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.
- Contact your county board of elections (e.g., Hamilton County for Cincinnati).
- Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
- Timeline: Start in 2027 (e.g., April–June) for 2028.
- Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
- File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-A for partisan races, as prosecutor races are partisan) with your county board.
- Choose a party (Republican, Democratic, etc.) or run as an independent (Form 3-I).
- Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
- Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
- Deadline: Partisan candidates file by 4 p.m., 90 days before the primary (e.g., February 6, 2028, for May 7, 2028, primary). Independents file by 4 p.m. the day before the primary (e.g., May 6, 2028).
- Collect Signatures
- Gather signatures from registered county voters:
- Partisan: 50 valid signatures for major parties (ORC 3513.05); larger counties may require 100–200 (e.g., Franklin County).
- Independent: 1% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in the county, or 25–500 based on county size.
- Use Form 3-A (partisan) or 3-I (independent).
- Deadline: February 6, 2028 (partisan); May 6, 2028 (independent). Collect extra signatures for safety.
- Gather signatures from registered county voters:
- Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
- Fees ~$50–$100 for partisan candidates, waiveable with signatures in some counties.
- Deadline: Same as petition filing (February 6, 2028, for partisan).
- Campaign Finance Registration
- Register with your county board if raising/spending funds.
- File reports per ORC 3517.10 (e.g., pre-primary, pre-general).
- Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
- Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., summer 2027); pre-primary report due ~April 8, 2028.
- Primary Election
- Partisan candidates compete to win their party’s nomination.
- Date: May 7, 2028 (first Tuesday after first Monday).
- Independents skip this step.
- Campaigning
- Build a platform (e.g., “tough on crime” or “justice with compassion”).
- Engage voters via bar associations, community forums, or ads—focus on legal expertise and fairness.
- Follow local sign rules.
- Timeline: Start post-primary (June 2028), peak in fall (September–October 2028).
- General Election
- Appear on the ballot countywide (partisan or independent).
- Date: November 7, 2028.
- Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
- Post-Election
- If elected, take office (typically January 1, 2029).
- File final finance reports.
- Deadline: 30–60 days post-election (e.g., December 2028–January 2029).
Hypothetical 2028 Timeline (November 7 Election)
- April–June 2027: Research eligibility, verify Ohio Bar admission.
- July–December 2027: Plan platform, collect signatures.
- January 2028: Finalize signatures.
- February 6, 2028: File partisan petitions by 4 p.m.
- April 8, 2028: File pre-primary finance report.
- May 6, 2028: Independent petitions due.
- May 7, 2028: Primary election.
- June–October 2028: Campaign; file pre-general report (~October 5).
- November 7, 2028: Election Day.
- January 1, 2029: Take office.
Ohio-Specific Resources for County Prosecutor Candidates
- Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and rules.
- County Boards of Elections: Filing and signature details.
- Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association: Role insights and training.
- Ohio State Bar Association: Licensing verification.
County Prosecutor races are partisan, requiring legal expertise and public trust.