Welcome to Athens Common Pleas Court
Learn more about what we do
The Athens Common Pleas Court is located at the corner of Court Street and W. Washington Street, Athens, Ohio. The Court consists of the Criminal/Civil Court and Domestic Relations Court. Judge McCarthy also created and runs a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC).
What is the Athens County Veterans Treatment Court?
Judge George P. McCarthy is the presiding judge of the Athens County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). The Veterans Treatment Honor Court is a specialized docket court which addresses cases involving criminal justice involved veterans. Veterans include all branches of the military and include active service members, combat and non-combat service members, and generally anyone who has served in the military, Coast Guard, or similar organization whether in peace time or war, and whether or not deployed overseas. The Court concentrates on getting veterans into treatment for mental health issues and drug addiction issues which often go hand in hand.
Judge McCarthy began work on bringing veterans treatment court to Athens County in 2013. In 2014, he recruited community service providers and government agencies interested in being part of the program. The response was overwhelming community support and application was made to the Ohio Supreme Court for certification to operate. After a year building in 2015, the Athens County Veterans Treatment Court received its initial certification to operate. In 2016 the Court received its full certification from the Ohio Supreme Court. In February 2017, the program successfully saw its first graduate. Since then it has had 12 graduates and been again recertified to operate through 2022. The Court has now again been recertified to operate by the Ohio Supreme Court through 2026!
Welcome!
Located in the middle of Athens, Athens County, Ohio, the current Courthouse was dedicated in the evening hours of September 10, 1880 and is the third Athens County Courthouse. The original courthouse was built in 1807 and was later destroyed by fire. In 1817 a two-story brick courthouse was built to replace it. By 1874 it needed replaced and the Courthouse we know today was built.
The Athens Common Pleas Court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM except for holidays.
This Website
This website gives you general information about the Athens Common Pleas Court. We cannot give you legal advice and ask you to contact an attorney for answers to specific legal questions. For questions about your case you should talk with an attorney about your options.
Athens County Courthouse, 1 South Court Street, Athens, Ohio USA 45701
Judge George P. McCarthy
(740) 593-3591 / Fax (740) 592-3020
Judge Patrick Lang
(740) 592-3236 / Fax (740) 592-3215
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I missed my Court date/time?
Contact your attorney as soon as possible to make arrangements to appear as soon as possible. If you come in on your own it is likely that a warrant issued for your failure to appear will be recalled and you will be given a new court date. Otherwise you may be subject to arrest for missing your court date.
What should I do if I have a question about my case?
You should talk to an attorney. The Court staff are not permitted to give legal advice.
What kind of cases does your court hear?
Generally, criminal cases involving felony crimes (crimes punishable by a minimum of six month to life in prison) including murder, sexual assaults, burglaries, drug trafficking, etc. Generally civil cases involving money damages alleged to be over $25,000, civil stalking protection orders, property disputes, personal injury cases to name a few. The Court holds hearings daily and trials when necessary.
Where can I park?
There is metered on street parking all around the court house. There is a parking garage a block away at 15 E. Washington Street, Athens, Ohio that offers metered parking.