Judge Kevin Kelley Appointed To HOPE Docket
Judge Kevin J. Kelley has been appointed to preside over the HOPE (Helping Others Prosper Everyday) Court docket.
HOPE Court is one of the General Division’s four Drug Court dockets. It was created to provide additional opportunity for those who are at high risk of re-arrest, have longer criminal histories and struggle with moderate to severe substance use disorders. Judge Kelley was appointed by Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan in January 2025 to succeed retiring Judge William T. McGinty.
Judge Kelley joined the Bench in December of 2022 when he was appointed to the unexpired seat of the late Judge Joseph Russo, and Judge Kelley was elected to a full, six-year term in November 2024. Judge Kelley received a bachelor's degree from Marquette University in 1990, a master's degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1996, and his law degree from Cleveland State University in 2004.
“It has been an honor serving on this Bench,” says Judge Kelley. “Being able to oversee a specialty docket that provides clients with the tools to lead productive, sober lives is a wonderful opportunity and I look forward to working with the HOPE team and our partners.”
HOPE Court follows National Adult Drug Court Best Practices by providing “holistic approach that goes beyond simply treating substance use disorders.” Together, with a multidisciplinary team, HOPE Court provides treatment, accountability and resources to reduce the risk of being re-arrested in the future and return a healthy citizen back to the community.