Ohio Code 5123.14 – Investigations
The department of developmental disabilities may make such investigations as are necessary in the performance of its duties and to that end the director of developmental disabilities shall have the same power as a judge of a county court to administer oaths and to enforce the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books or papers.
Terms Used In Ohio Code 5123.14
- Court: means the probate division of the court of common pleas. See Ohio Code 5123.01
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Institution: means a public or private facility, or a part of a public or private facility, that is licensed by the appropriate state department and is equipped to provide residential habilitation, care, and treatment for persons with intellectual disabilities. See Ohio Code 5123.01
- Probate: Proving a will
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
The department shall keep a record of such investigations stating the time, place, charges or subject, witnesses summoned and examined, and its conclusions.
In matters involving the conduct of an officer, a stenographic report of the evidence shall be taken and a copy of such report, with all documents introduced, kept on file at the office of the department.
Witnesses shall be paid the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code, but no officer or employee of the institution under investigation is entitled to such fees.
Any judge of the probate court or of the court of common pleas, upon application of the department, may compel the attendance of witnesses, the production of books or papers, and the giving of testimony before the department, by a judgment for contempt or otherwise, in the same manner as in cases before said courts.