Judge Virginia Tallent
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Motion, Brief
Rule 26f Discovery Plan
- Email • At Least 7 Days Before Cmc
Adjournments
- If no defendant has been served 45 days before the CMC, the Plaintiff must move to continue and explain how and when service will be completed.
- Court-set discovery deadlines may not be extended without prior approval.
- Requests to extend time, continue proceedings, or modify the case schedule must be written and filed after conferral, state whether opposed, and include a specific proposed date.
- +1 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Clerk
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Document Format Requirements5 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
File proposed instructions 14 days before trial and email to the Staff Attorney in Word format.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All exhibits must be pre-marked, tabbed, paginated, and bound. Submit three hard copies three business days before trial.
Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Submit three hard copies of exhibits, pre-marked, bound, paginated, and tabbed, three business days before trial. Include the CV of any expert witness as a marked exhibit.
Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Submit three hard copies of all pre-marked, tabbed, paginated, and bound exhibits three business days before trial. Include the CV of any expert witness. For virtual trials, email electronic copies.
Paper
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Exhibits must be pre-marked, paginated, tabbed, and bound. Submit three hard copies to the Court at least three business days before trial. Each party must include the curriculum vitae of any expert who may testify.
Paper
Document Filing Requirements16 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Jury trials: Include proposed jury instructions, interrogatories, and verdict forms. Bench trials: Submit trial briefs in lieu of jury instructions.
DocumentTrial Submissions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
These forms must be completed and submitted to Bailiff before the plea hearing.
DocumentPlea Forms
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Motions to modify bond must be filed 7 days in advance of the next hearing to allow victim notification. If the motion to modify bond is opposed, the State should file a memorandum in opposition at least three days before the scheduled hearing on the motion. The parties should detail all relevant factors in the motion and in any response.
DocumentBond Modification Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Pursuant to Civil Rule 26(F), counsel must meet 21 days before the CMC to prepare a joint proposed discovery plan.
DocumentRule 26f Discovery Plan
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Pretrial Statements must include: a case synopsis, unresolved legal issues, trial length estimate, number of witnesses, and the status of settlement.
DocumentPretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Each party must file a trial brief containing: A concise statement of the facts Summary of claims and defenses Controlling legal authority Any stipulations Witness list with brief summaries of testimony Exhibit list with descriptions
DocumentTrial Brief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Sentencing memoranda are encouraged in all cases, and required in F1, F2, and special felony cases without an agreed sentence. Sentencing memorandum are due 5 business days before sentencing and should be shared with the Court and opposing counsel.
DocumentSentencing Memorandum
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Trial briefs must include: Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law Controlling legal authority Anticipated legal or evidentiary issues Stipulations Witness list with expected testimony Exhibit list with descriptions
DocumentTrial Brief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Exhibit Lists must be exchanged and included in the pretrial statement. Clearly identify any joint exhibits.
DocumentPretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Each motion in limine should identify the evidence or issue, legal basis, and anticipated effect on trial, including possible prejudice or jury confusion.
Each motion in limine should clearly identify: The evidence or issue to be excluded or admitted; The legal basis for the request, including relevant rules of evidence or case law; and the anticipated impact on trial, including prejudice or confusion to the jury.
DocumentMotion In Limine
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Criminal cases should use the Court-approved standard plea forms listed.
For criminal cases, please use the standard plea forms approved by the Court Guilty Plea Form (Non-Reagan Tokes) Guilty Plea Form (Reagan Tokes) Guilty Plea – Agreed Sentence (Non-Reagan Tokes) Guilty Plea – Agreed Sentence (Reagan Tokes) Waiver of Trial by Jury Form Misdemeanor Plea Form
DocumentPlea Forms
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If the parties determine that one is necessary, they will submit a joint proposed order to the Court.
DocumentProtective Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
I further understand that being convicted of certain offenses may come with registration duties. The offenses I am pleading to involve the following registration requirements (check all that apply and attach the appropriate forms to this plea):
Summary: The plea must identify applicable registration requirements and include the corresponding plea addenda.
DocumentGuilty Plea
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
A proposed entry must be provided in Word format at the time of filing.
DocumentMotion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
While not required in every case, trial briefs are encouraged, particularly in complex or non-routine matters. A trial brief should include: A concise statement of the facts; Identification of the legal issues to be decided; Summary of anticipated evidence; Discussion of applicable law, with citations; Any stipulations between the parties
DocumentTrial Brief
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If the parties cannot agree on an element, each side should state its position.
DocumentRule 26f Discovery Plan
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of sentencing.
I understand my right to appeal a maximum sentence, my other limited appellate rights, and that any appeal must be filed within 30 days of my sentence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 1 | ENTRY WITHDRAWING PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND ENTERING PLEA OF GUILTY (Reduction to Misdemeanor)
Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of the sentence.
I understand my right to appeal a maximum sentence, my other limited appellate rights, and that any appeal must be filed within 30 days of my sentence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 3
For deposition or video testimony, objections must be filed and ruled on at least 7 business days before trial, and the testimony must be reviewed and edited beforehand.
If using deposition or video testimony, objections must be filed and ruled on at least 7 business days before trial. All testimony must be reviewed and edited prior to trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Jury Trials — Video and Deposition Testimony
Plea forms must be submitted to the Bailiff before the plea hearing.
These forms must be completed and submitted to Bailiff before the plea hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Plea Forms
Objections to video or deposition testimony must be filed at least one week before trial, and the testimony must be reviewed, edited, and cued up in advance.
If video or deposition testimony will be presented, any objections must be filed at least one week before trial. All such testimony must be reviewed, edited, and cued up in advance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Criminal Trials — Jury Trials (Criminal) — Video and Deposition Testimony
Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of sentencing.
I understand my right to appeal a maximum sentence, my other limited appellate rights, and that any appeal must be filed within 30 days of my sentence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | ENTRY WITHDRAWING PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND ENTERING PLEA OF GUILTY
The Joint Discovery Plan must be filed no later than seven days before the Case Management Conference.
(Required Form to be filed not later than : seven days prior to the Case Management : Conference)
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Joint Discovery Plan, also known as Rule 26(F) Report
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A file-stamped courtesy copy of every motion and brief should be emailed to the Staff Attorney.
A file-stamped courtesy copy of all motions and briefs should be emailed to the Staff Attorney.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Motion Practice
File the joint discovery plan at least 7 days before the CMC and email a courtesy copy to the Staff Attorney.
The plan must be filed at least 7 days prior to the CMC, with a courtesy copy emailed to the Staff Attorney.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Rule 26(F) Discovery Plan
Filing Bundling Requirements
Bench-trial briefs are filed simultaneously, and each party is expected to anticipate and respond to the opposing arguments.
Briefs are filed simultaneously, and each party is expected to anticipate and respond to opposing arguments.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Bench Trials — Trial Briefs (Due 14 Days Before Trial)
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Counsel must confer in good faith and, if a discovery issue remains unresolved, contact the Bailiff for a discovery conference before seeking a discovery-related motion to compel or sanctions.
Discovery disputes must be addressed promptly and professionally. Counsel must confer in good faith to resolve any issues before involving the Court. If unresolved, counsel should contact the Court’s Bailiff to request a discovery conference. Motions to compel or motions for sanctions related to discovery will not be entertained unless this process is followed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Discovery
Oral argument is allowed only by court order or request after conferring with opposing counsel.
Oral argument is permitted only by Court order or upon request, after first conferring with opposing counsel.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Motion Practice
Criminal motions in limine are due no later than two weeks before trial, and responses are due one week before trial unless otherwise ordered.
Motions in limine must be filed no later than two weeks before trial. Any responses to those motions are due one week before trial unless otherwise ordered.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Final Pretrial Conference
Criminal bench-trial motions in limine are due 14 days before trial, responses are due 7 days before trial unless otherwise ordered, and replies are prohibited unless directed by the Court.
Motions in Limine must be filed 14 days before trial. Responses due 7 days before trial, unless otherwise ordered. No replies are permitted unless directed by the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Bench Trials (Criminal) — Motions in Limine
Bench-trial motions in limine are due 14 days before trial, opposition responses are due 7 days later, and replies require leave of Court.
File 14 days before trial. Opposition responses are due 7 days later. Replies are not permitted without leave of Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Bench Trials — Motions in Limine
After a good-faith conferral fails to resolve a discovery dispute, contact the Staff Attorney for an informal court conference before filing a motion to compel.
If a discovery dispute remains unresolved after conferral, contact the Staff Attorney to schedule an informal conference with the Court. No motions to compel may be filed without first following this process.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Discovery Issues
Civil motions in limine are due 14 days before trial, responses are due 7 days later, and replies are prohibited unless ordered.
Motions in Limine must be filed 14 days before trial. Responses are due 7 days later. No replies are permitted unless ordered.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Pretrial Submissions (Due 14 Days Before Final Pretrial)
Criminal jury-trial motions in limine are due 14 days before trial, oppositions are due 7 days before trial, and replies are prohibited unless specifically ordered.
All motions in limine must be filed no later than 14 days before trial. Responses or memoranda in opposition are due no later than 7 days before trial. No replies are permitted unless specifically ordered by the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Criminal Trials — Jury Trials (Criminal) — Motions in Limine
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Court-set discovery deadlines may not be extended without prior approval.
Discovery deadlines set by the Court may not be extended without prior approval.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Discovery Issues
A trial date will be continued only in exceptional circumstances.
Trial dates will only be continued in exceptional circumstances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling and Continuances
Requests to extend time, continue proceedings, or modify the case schedule must be written and filed after conferral, state whether opposed, and include a specific proposed date.
All requests for extensions of time, continuances, or modifications to the case schedule must be made in writing and filed with the Court. Counsel must confer before filing and state whether the motion is opposed. Include a specific proposed date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling and Continuances
If no defendant has been served 45 days before the CMC, the Plaintiff must move to continue and explain how and when service will be completed.
If no defendant has been served 45 days prior to the CMC, Plaintiff must file a motion to continue the CMC and explain how and when service will be perfected.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Initial Case Management Conference (CMC)
Chambers Communication Rules
Social media contact with Court staff is prohibited.
Social media contact with Court staff is not permitted.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | I. General Rules (Applicable in All Matters) — Communication with Court Staff
Direct criminal questions to the Bailiff and civil or non-case-related inquiries to the Staff Attorney.
Questions about criminal matters should be directed to Bailiff Rob Bryan; civil matters and non-case-related inquiries should be sent to Staff Attorney Courtney Howard.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Courtroom Rules
Ex parte communication about tardiness or technical issues is permitted.
Ex parte communication regarding tardiness or technical issues is permitted.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | I. General Rules (Applicable in All Matters) — Communication with Court Staff
Counsel must email the Bailiff and copy all parties at least 7 days before trial to confirm case status and whether trial will proceed as scheduled.
Counsel must email the Bailiff (rbryan@hamiltoncountycourtsoh.gov) and copy all parties no later than 7 days before trial to confirm the status of their case and whether it will proceed as scheduled.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Criminal Trials — Jury Trials (Criminal) — Trial Scheduling and Priority
Ex parte communication is prohibited absent party consent or legal authorization; email is preferred and must copy all counsel and unrepresented parties.
Ex parte communication is prohibited unless all parties consent or as otherwise permitted by law. Email is the preferred method of communication and must copy all counsel and unrepresented parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | I. General Rules (Applicable in All Matters) — Communication with Court Staff
For an anticipated plea or sentencing not listed on the docket or calendar, counsel must notify the Bailiff at least one business day in advance and submit a proposed plea entry then whenever practicable.
If the parties anticipate that a plea and/or sentencing will occur at a setting not reflected on the Court’s docket or calendar (including, but not limited to, final pretrial conferences or trial dates), counsel must notify the Bailiff no later than one business day in advance. Whenever practicable, a proposed plea entry shall be submitted at that time.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Notice of Anticipated Pleas and Sentencing
Civil appearances are by phone conference unless the parties request in-person appearance; email the Staff Attorney in advance to switch to in-person.
All civil appearances will be conducted via phone conference unless the parties request to appear in person. To switch from a phone conference to in-person, please email the Staff Attorney in advance.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Remote Appearances