COVID-19 INFORMATION

Responsible RestartOhio Court Access

Due to the COVID-19 Crisis the Hocking County Courthouse was closed to the general public by order of Hocking County Sheriff Lanny E. North on March 16, 2020. The Judge’s office is open and staffed during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p). The Court is open for regular business including hearings, so long as, the hearing does not require large number of people. The Court is also doing as much business as possible over the phone and zoom.

The Court encourages the public to work with their attorneys to schedule final hearings, arraignments, pretrials, status conferences, mediations, probation hearings, sentencings, etc.

Office Hours	Office Location
Monday - Friday	Common Pleas Court
8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.	1 East Main Street
(740) 385-4027	Logan, Ohio 43138
(740) 380-9231 Fax

Administrative Staff

Judge: Jason Despetorich

The judge presides over trials and hearings. In addition, the judge rules on the admissibility of evidence, monitors the testimony of witnesses, and settles disputes between attorneys. The judge also ensures that all proceedings are fair.

Assignment Commissioner: Tamara Freeman

The assignment commissioner is responsible for case flow management, scheduling cases for hearing, and general office duties.

Bailiff / Court Reporter: Stephanie Sullivan

The bailiff is responsible for courtroom security and the advance of court hearings in an orderly fashion. Jury management is another responsibility. In addition, the bailiff assists with scheduling hearings and arranging transportation for prisoners.

The court reporter is responsible for making a record of court proceedings and transcribing hearings as necessary. In addition, the court reporter assists with scheduling court hearings, and other duties as required to further the efficient operation of the office.

Administrative Assistant: Darla Matheny

The administrative assistant aids the Judge by coordinating procedures as to the supervision, maintenance, and control of the flow of work and programs, personnel, records, and other matters for the Judge's office. The administrative assistant is also responsible for case flow management, scheduling cases for hearings and other general office duties. The administrative assistant is also responsible for the budgeting for the court and for all programs run by the court.

Pre-Sentence Investigator: Lynne Gordon (740) 385-4123

The pre-sentence investigator is responsible for interviewing defendants, who plea guilty or no contest to criminal charges. The investigator also interviews persons found guilty of criminal offenses after a trial. The investigator uses the result of the interview and other information to write a report for the judge as to the defendant. The attorneys, judge and Adult Parole Authority officers use the report to reach a fair sentence and to screen the defendant for probation services, including drug treatment.

Pre-Sentence Writer: Lynne Gordon (740) 385-4123

Probation Officers:

Sarah Horn – Administrative Assistant 740-380-4123
Charles Rispress- Chief Probation Officer 740-380-4123
Casey Jones-Probation officer 740-380-4123

Probation Officers supervise defendants who are placed on community control by the judge. Community Control is supervision by the Adult Parole Authority or the court's probation officer here in the local community. This supervision consists of having the defendants report to the probation office so they may be interviewed as to their progress on goals which are set by the judge and the rules of probation. These goals include remaining drug free, getting a GED, paying restitution and costs, becoming and remaining employed and other goals. The officers also make home visits to observe the defendant in their home environment.

Drug Court Coordinator: Jessica Conley (740) 380-4123

The Drug Court Coordinator runs the Drug Court Program for the Common Pleas Court. Drug Court is a program that reduces crime by assisting defendants by helping them become and remain drug free. Defendant's meet with the coordinator on a frequent basis for drug testing and to insure that they are meeting their treatment goals. The coordinator also frequently goes to the defendant's home and employer so the defendant's compliance may be checked. The coordinator also works with the Adult Parole Authority Probation officers as to the defendant obeying court orders and the rules of probation.

Magistrate: Joe Nemec (740) 385-4027

The Magistrate is an experienced attorney who acts for the judge by handling domestic relations matters. The Magistrate conducts hearings as to divorce issues, child support, child custody, spousal support, and division of property. The Magistrate also rules on the admissibility of the evidence, makes findings of fact which are necessary to resolve the case referred to him or her. The Magistrate issues decisions as to the above matters which are reviewed by the Judge.