(A) An affidavit in either of the following forms is sufficient:

Terms Used In Ohio Code 2935.17

  • 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.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Rule: includes regulation. See Ohio Code 1.59

(1) “State of Ohio,

___________________________ County, ss:

Before me, A.B., personally came C.D., who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that on or about the day of ___________, _____, at the county of __________ one E.F. (here describe the offense as nearly according to the nature thereof as the case will admit, in ordinary concise language) C.D.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this ________ day of __________, ____

A.B., County Judge

Clerk of _____________ Court”

(2) “State of Ohio,

___________________________ County, ss:

Before me, A.B., personally came C.D., who being duly sworn according to law says that on or about the ______ day of _________, ____, one E.F. did: (here listing several common offenses, plainly but tersely described as: fail to stop at stop sign, pass at crest of grade, etc., with a ruled box before each, and then showing an X or distinctive mark in front of the offense claimed to be committed). C.D.

Sworn to before me and subscribed in my presence this ________ day of ________, ____

A.B., County Judge

Clerk of _____________ Court”

(B) A complaint in the following form is sufficient:

“State of Ohio,

___________________________ County, ss:

The undersigned (assistant) prosecuting attorney of __________ County complains that on or about the _____ day of _____________, ____, one E.F. did (here describing the offense committed as above) based on affidavit of __________________ filed with me.

______________________________

Prosecuting Attorney/City

Director of Law”

Provided, that the supreme court of Ohio, may, by rule, provide for the uniform type and language to be used in any affidavit or complaint to be filed in any court inferior to the court of common pleas for violations of the motor vehicle and traffic acts and related ordinances and in any notice to violator to appear in such courts, and may require that such forms and no other, shall be received in such courts, and issued to violators.