When an affidavit is filed against a corporation for a violation of this chapter or Chapter 1533 of the Revised Code, a summons, returnable on or before the tenth day after its date, shall be issued directed to the sheriff, constable, or wildlife officer commanding him to notify the accused thereof. The summons together with a copy of the affidavit shall be served and returned in the manner provided for the service of summons upon corporations in civil actions. On or before the return day of the summons served, the corporation may appear by one of its officers or by counsel and answer the affidavit by motion or plea, but upon failure to make an appearance and answer the clerk of the court shall enter a plea of “not guilty.” Upon such an appearance being made or plea entered, the corporation shall be deemed present before the court until the cause is finally disposed of.

Terms Used In Ohio Code 1531.19

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.