Cleveland Municipal Court
Criminal Defense Legal Services at Cleveland Municipal Court
Cleveland Municipal Court is one of the major municipal courts in Cuyahoga County. It has more judges than any other municipal court in the area and hears far more cases than the others. This, like all municipal courts, is a court that hears cases ranging from misdemeanors up through preliminary hearings on felonies. The main cases heard in this court are DUI/OVI charges, domestic violence, and traffic violations.
For years, Patituce & Associates has handled thousands of cases in this court because it shares the same building with the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. We have repeatedly prevailed at suppression hearings to have cases thrown out, and we've successfully defended those results before the Eighth District Court of Appeals.
In one notable case—State v. Ben Oles—we successfully defended a client charged with a high-tier OVI/DUI offense at Cleveland Municipal Court. Dissatisfied with the result, the State appealed the case all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court, which sent it back to the trial court. Although this was technically a loss for us, the prosecutor ultimately agreed to drop the charges, which was a major victory for our client.
About Cleveland Municipal Court
The Cleveland Municipal Court has jurisdiction to decide on traffic, criminal, and related legal matters throughout the City of Cleveland. The court collects and distributes fines, fees, bonds, and court costs associated with its cases. It also records and processes felony charges before transferring them to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
- Address: 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
- Phone Number: (216) 664-4790
- Business hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; bond services 24/7
- Website: www.clevelandmunicipalcourt.org
Current Judges of the Court
The judges of the Cleveland Municipal Court are tasked with presiding over hearings, maintaining order, and making legal decisions.
Several judges preside over cases heard at the Cleveland Municipal Court:
- Judge Michelle D. Earley - Administrative and Presiding Judge
- Judge Marilyn B. Cassidy
- Judge Jeffrey D. Johnson
- Judge Lauren C. Moore
- Judge Andrea Nelson Moore
- Judge Ann Clare Oakar
- Judge Bridget M. O'Brien
- Judge Charles L. Patton, Jr.
- Judge Sydney Strickland Saffold
- Judge Suzan Marie Sweeney
- Judge Jazmin Torres-Lugo
- Judge Shiela Turner McCall
Which Types of Cases Are Heard at Cleveland Municipal Court?
The Cleveland Municipal Court hears a wide range of cases, including misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases, housing disputes, and specialized cases.
Misdemeanor Criminal Cases
These cases involve criminal offenses that are considered less severe than felonies, such as petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, and drug possession for personal use. The court handles all stages of these cases, from arraignment to trial and sentencing, with a focus on local ordinances and state laws.
Traffic Violations
The court addresses all types of traffic offenses, ranging from minor infractions, like speeding or running a red light, to more serious offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without a license. The traffic court aims to ensure public safety by enforcing traffic laws and imposing appropriate penalties.
Preliminary Felony Hearings
The court is also tasked with recording and processing felony charges, from arrest through the preliminary hearing. After, felony cases are transferred to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
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The History of Cleveland Municipal Court
Cleveland Municipal Court was established in 1911 as part of a broader reform movement in Ohio aimed at modernizing the judiciary. Before its creation, various smaller courts handled minor criminal offenses, civil cases, and traffic violations in Cleveland, often leading to inefficiencies and inconsistent rulings. The new municipal court unified these functions under a single jurisdiction, with the intention of streamlining court processes and making justice more accessible to Cleveland's growing population. This reform was in response to concerns about corruption and inefficiency in local governance, reflecting a nationwide push for greater transparency and accountability in public institutions.
Throughout the 20th century, the Cleveland Municipal Court expanded its role and scope to accommodate the city's evolving legal needs. As Cleveland grew, so did the court's docket, prompting several changes in its structure and operations. The court divided its functions into specialized divisions, such as housing, small claims, and traffic courts, to more effectively handle the increasing variety and volume of cases. The court also pioneered several community-oriented programs, such as mediation services and specialized dockets for drug offenses and mental health cases, aiming to address underlying social issues that contribute to crime and civil disputes.
In recent decades, the Cleveland Municipal Court has continued to innovate and adapt to meet contemporary challenges. Embracing technology, the court implemented electronic filing systems, virtual hearings, and online access to court records to improve efficiency and transparency. It also launched initiatives focused on rehabilitation and restorative justice, such as the Veterans Treatment Court and Domestic Violence Court. These programs demonstrate the court's commitment to evolving in response to the changing needs of Cleveland's residents while maintaining its core mission to deliver fair and impartial justice.
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- Martha L.
Seeking representation for federal charges against my husband led me to engage with an attorney from this firm. Swiftly connected with Joe Patituce, we made the decision to enlist his services that very day, a choice we're grateful for.
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- Cora B.
Their friendly and approachable team provided unwavering support. They worked diligently to build a robust defense, ensuring my side of the story was heard and considered!!!
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- Former Client
Cate Purdum was present, attentive, always returned my calls (I had attorneys before who never call you back), answered my questions and never ignored my calls. If I ever need an attorney in the future I will definitely go back to her.
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- Roberto M.
Catherine Meehan did an amazing job. Very responsive, friendly, and obviously very good with words. She kept me out of jail and home with my kiddo. For that I can't ever repay the favor. Much appreciated hope I never need your assistance again but if so I'll definitely give you a call. Thank you again.
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- Thomas S.
I am very satisfied with Rachelle and Joe they were talking me through my whole case and when I told them I wanted a trial they agreed and said let’s go to trial with out hesitation they were very professional and I couldn’t ask for a better law firm to have my back in my court case thank you Rachelle and Joe I highly recommend them to everybody
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- Levi G.
Joe helped my brother beat a serious RICO charge. He is simply the best criminal defense lawyer out there, and provides a clear-cut path to victory. I am extremely impressed and thankful for the hard work and dedication the team at Patituce & Associates put in on this case. It feels great to come out on the winning side, and not have to sweat a thing during the whole process. I highly recommend hiring Joe and his expert staff if you ever find yourself in any legal trouble. Thank you Joe!
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So kind and helpful! Don’t know what I would’ve done without him. Joe was kind and informative throughout the whole- Maddy P.
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- Glenn G.
I engaged Joe Patituce's services for my DUI case in Rocky River, and I couldn't have made a better choice. He and his team demonstrated excellence throughout, managing my case with remarkable skill and professionalism.
Do I Need a Criminal Lawyer at Cleveland Municipal Court?
Navigating the Cleveland Municipal Court can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with legal procedures and court rules. A lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected, present evidence effectively, and negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or penalties. Without legal experience, you may struggle to understand the nuances of local laws, which could lead to unintentional mistakes that worsen your situation.
For cases involving criminal offenses such as theft, assault, or drug possession, the stakes are significantly higher. A criminal attorney familiar with the Cleveland Municipal Court system can provide valuable insight and tailor a defense strategy suited to local practices. They can challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome. Representing yourself in these situations can be risky, as you may lack the legal knowledge to effectively counter the prosecution’s arguments, increasing the likelihood of a harsher sentence or an unfavorable verdict.
How Can Patituce & Associates Help Your Criminal Case at Cleveland Municipal Court?
Our legal team at Patituce & Associates has more than 70 years of experience when it comes to defending our clients from criminal charges at all levels of severity. As experienced litigators, we’ve taken more than 200 cases to trial and fought hard to protect our clients’ rights in and outside of the courtroom.
In addition to our extensive trial experience, our legal team includes former prosecutors who understand how the state conducts prosecutions. This prepares us to can counter its strategies with legal defense solutions that caWe are also recognized as respected legal professionals, as demonstrated by our featured media presence.
We can defend clients accused of criminal offenses such as:
- DUI/OVI
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Juvenile Crimes
- Property Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Federal Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
Recent Case Results At Cleveland Municipal Court
Patituce & Associates has represented many clients facing criminal charges at all levels of severity.
Here is a look at some recent results we achieved for our clients:
- Acquittal: Our client was identified as a shooter at a New Year’s Eve party during an incident that involved multiple injuries and three deaths. We proved there was insufficient evidence to convict.
- Charges dismissed: Our client was caught selling drugs, but our efforts helped them take advantage of the first offender program, which dismissed their charges.
- Case dismissed: Our client was charged with possession of child pornography. Upon investigating their case, we discovered and presented exculpatory evidence that caused a case dismissal.
- Charges dismissed: Our client was a student charged with drug trafficking for manufacturing ecstasy. Because they had no prior record, our aggressive representation helped them enter a treatment program that led to a complete dismissal of charges.
Patituce & Associates can be the stalwart advocate you need to defend your rights and freedom from unfair criminal accusations. With our unparalleled approach to strategic criminal defense, we can help you seek the best possible outcome.
If you are facing criminal charges at the Cleveland Municipal Court, make sure you have dedicated legal representation on your side. Call (440) 771-1175 to get the legal support you need.
