A warrant, summons, or notice of a peace officer shall either contain a copy of the affidavit or recite the substance of the accusation. A warrant shall be directed to a specific officer or to a department designated by its chief, and shall command such officer or member of department to take the accused and bring the accused forthwith before the magistrate or court issuing such warrant to be dealt with according to law. A summons shall be directed to the officer or department, and shall command the officer or department to notify the accused by serving a copy of such summons upon the accused. The following form of warrant is sufficient:

Terms Used In Ohio Code 2935.18

  • 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.
  • Bailiff: a court officer who enforces the rules of behavior in courtrooms.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Peace officer: includes , except as provided in section 2935. See Ohio Code 2935.01
  • state: means the state of Ohio. See Ohio Code 1.59
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.

“The State of Ohio,

_________________________ County, ss:

To the Sheriff (other Officer):

Greetings:

Whereas there has been filed with me an affidavit of which the following is a copy (here copy) or the substance, (here set forth the substance, omitting formal parts). These are therefore to command you to take the said E.F., if E.F. is found in your county, or if E.F. is not found in your county, that you pursue after E.F. in any other county in this state and take and safely keep the said E.F. so that you have E.F. forthwith before me or some other magistrate of said county to answer the said complaint and be further dealt with according to law.

Given under my hand this ______ day of ________, _____

A.B., Judge of __________ Court

Clerk of ___________ Court

The following form of summons is sufficient:

“The State of Ohio, ____________________ County, ss:

To the Bailiff or ____________________ Constable:

Whereas there has been filed before me an Affidavit (Complaint) of which the following is a copy (here copy) or the substance (here set forth the substance, omitting formal parts). You are commanded to summon one said E.F. to appear before me on the ________ day of __________, _____, at ________ o’clock, _____ M., at __________ Building, ____________________, Ohio, to answer to said charge.

You will make due return of this summons forthwith upon service.

A.B., Judge of __________ Court

Clerk of __________ Court