Honorable Leah Dinkelacker
Hamilton County Courthouse
1000 Main Street
Room 560
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Mitch Gillen, Bailiff
Phone Number: 513-946-5750
Tom Blatz, Staff Attorney
Phone Number: 513-946-5749
Fax Number: 513-946-5751
COURTROOM PROCEDURES
CRIMINAL CASES
Scheduling is done through the bailiff.
I do require Defendants to be present at all court dates except DSCs.
After filing a motion, please take a copy of the motion to the courtroom and meet with the bailiff to get a hearing date.
When a case is set for trial, I expect it to go on the date set. To obtain a continuance, please file an appropriate motion.
CIVIL CASES
CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
Case Management Conferences are handled by the staff attorney. The Case Management Conferences may be held via telephone. Please contact the staff attorney in advance if you need to reschedule the initial Case Management Conference.
MOTION FILING
After filing the motion, please take a copy of the motion to the courtroom and meet with the staff attorney to get a hearing date if needed. All Civil motions are usually heard in the afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Any motion can be set for an oral argument. I try to rule on all motions within two (2) weeks of arguments.
SETTLEMENT
Attorneys are encouraged to reach case resolution on their own. The Court will assist in settlement discussions in civil cases if requested.
CONTINUANCES
When a case is set for trial, I expect it to go on the date set. To obtain a continuance, please file an appropriate motion.
PRETRIAL CONFERENCES
Pretrial statements are due 1 week prior to the pretrial conference. Counsel should follow the format of the Local Rules. All counsel and clients are required to appear in person at Pretrial Conferences.
CIVIL JURY TRIAL
Proposed jury instructions should be filed and emailed to the staff attorney at least two weeks before trial. Please send these in Word format for easy editing. If testimony is to be presented by videotape or deposition, objections should be presented at least one week before trial.
COURTROOM ETIQUETTE
Counsel is expected to be professional, respectful, and courteous at all times. My staff and I will act in the same manner.
AVAILABLILTY
I will make myself available to counsel to help resolve any problems.