Court News

Scam Alert

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:10:10 -0400

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court has been made aware of a scam that targets family members of persons with cases in our Court.

In this case, a scammer called the parent of a defendant who was arraigned on Thursday, June 18. The scammer claimed to be from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department and stated that, for a fee, the parent could get their child out of jail. In fact, the defendant had been given a personal bond that does not require money.

These types of targeted scams, using bogus phone calls and emails, are, unfortunately, not new. Scammers can be very convincing in their tactics. No Court or County employee will ever ask someone for money via a phone call. These calls are fraudulent and are not connected with the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court or the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department.

“It is unfortunate that unscrupulous scammers would target people who believe they are aiding a family member,” said Administrative and Presiding Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy. “If any one receives a call asking for money, they should immediately reach out to the Court or Sheriff’s Department.”

Most contact between the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and defendants occurs by U.S. mail, the Court’s texting program, or in person. Legitimate court officials will never request Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or any other sensitive information via phone.

If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer, call the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad at 216-443-SCAM (7226) to speak with an investigator.

Pro Bono Collaborative Schedules September Session

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:50:54 -0400

The Court's next Pro Bono Collaborative of 2026 will be held on Friday. September 11.

The Pro Bono Program provides help in civil matters to defendants who are facing criminal charges in the Court. Many of the clients are currently on one of the Court's specialty dockets. Attorneys volunteer their time to help with matters such as housing, child custody, and finances. Registration is required by emailing Norma Spencer at NSPENCER@cuyahogacounty.gov or calling 216-443-8875.

The Pro Bono Program got its start when Judge Joan Synenberg noticed that clients in the Recovery Court needed legal help with legal issues beyond their criminal charges. The Court hired a coordinator for the program through a grant from the Nord Family Foundation.

Dozens of clients and volunteer attorneys had a chance to sit down and work through issues they may be facing.

The program received the Ohio State Bar Association's 2019 Innovative Court Programs and Practices Award. The next Pro Bono Collaborative session will be held on Friday, August 25, and registration is required ahead of time.

Recovery Court Graduation 6-11-26

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:20:06 -0400

Recovery Court's Spring graduation was held on Thursday, June 11, at The Justice Center.

Judge Joan Synenberg honored six clients who completed the program, calling the women "fierce and fearless."

Specialized dockets are courts that are dedicated to specific types of offenses or offenders and use a combination of different techniques for holding offenders accountable while also addressing the underlying causes of their behavior. There are more than 210 specialized dockets in Ohio, and Recovery Court focuses on those with dual diagnoses of addiction and trauma. Recovery Court is the first of its kind in Ohio and has also been certified to assist those who have been victims of human trafficking.

The certification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket, and assembling a treatment team for implementing daily operations of the specialized docket. The team can include licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, and is headed by the specialized docket judge.

Recovery Court is one of four dockets operating under the Drug Court umbrella in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Congratulations to the graduates!

Drug Court Graduation 6-3-26

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:47:42 -0400

Cleveland: Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Drug Court held its spring graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, in a special ceremony at The Justice Center.

Eleven people were recognized for completing the program under Judge Kelly A. Gallagher and Judge Hollie L. Gallagher that provides a better chance at a sober, productive life.

The goal of Drug Court is to reduce recidivism among drug-dependent offenders by providing enhanced treatment services. The majority of participants in the Drug Court program are opiate dependent.

Judge Kelly A. Gallagher presides over the standard Drug Court Docket. Judge Hollie L. Gallagher currently heads up what is known as the Medically Assisted Treatment docket, which takes advantage of medication to fight addiction. Judge Joan C. Synenberg’s Recovery Court treats primarily victims of human trafficking who also are diagnosed with trauma. Judge Kevin Kelley's Helping Others Prosper Everyday (HOPE) docket is focused on those most likely to reoffend.

Congratulations, graduates!

Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Parade

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:55:10 -0400

The annual Police Memorial Service Parade and ceremony took place Friday, May 15, outside the Justice Center.

The parade stepped off on a cool and sunny day at 10:30 a.m. at Lakeside Avenue and East 12th Street, continuing along Lakeside to the Greater Cleveland Police Officer's Memorial in Huntington Park. Parade participants included officers from local, county, state and federal agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada; and surviving family members of officers who made the supreme sacrifice.

All were invited to gather at the GCPOM immediately following the parade for a ceremony titled “Keeping the Promise to Never Forget Our Fallen Heroes.

The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society was established in 1985 by a handful of area police officers after the funeral of a fellow officer killed in the line of duty. Grieving the loss of a friend and fellow officer, they made a promise: they would never abandon the families of fallen officers or let the community forget their service.

HOPE Court Spring Graduation

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:37:09 -0400

The HOPE (Helping Others Prosper Everyday) Drug Court celebrated its Spring graduation on Wednesday, May 13, with four people completing the program.

Hope Court 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. HOPE Court was created when the Common Pleas Judges amended Local Rule 30.2. Judge Kevin J. Kelly presides over HOPE Court.

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.

HOPE Court is one of four specialty Drug Court dockets in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Memorial Mondays

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:50:34 -0400

Memorial Mondays are still going strong after more than a decade!

When jurors are summoned to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for service, some are visiting downtown Cleveland for the first time. Others may know the city, but may not be familiar with all that Cleveland has to offer.

Created in 2014 as an ongoing effort to reach out to jurors and improve on their experience, the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court invites several of Cleveland’s best food trucks to participate in Memorial Mondays from May to the end of September (excluding national holiday).

Three food trucks are scheduled each Monday and are parked alongside Fort Huntington Park across the street from the Justice Center. Since the park is home to the Greater Cleveland Peace Officer’s Memorial, it’s been dubbed Memorial Mondays in their honor. Every week a different musician also plays live, weather permitting. When the weather is dry, tables and chairs are provided.

Law Day 2026

Fri, 01 May 2026 09:45:29 -0400

On May 1, Cleveland’s legal community came together for two Law Day programs focused on protecting the rule of law, judicial independence, and equal justice under law. From a conversation at the City Club of Cleveland to a public retaking of the attorney’s oath, the day reflected the legal profession’s ongoing responsibility to uphold the constitutional principles that sustain our democracy.

Law Day was stablished by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 and officially recognized by Congress in 1961, it emphasizes a nation ruled by law rather than force.

Lawyers, judges, and community members gathered for a Law Day of Action ceremony and public retaking of the attorney’s oath during the 58th observance of Law Day. Speakers at the ceremony in the old courthouse rotunda (below) reflected on the importance of judicial independence, constitutional limits on power, and equal treatment under law.

One of the speakers at the oath ceremony was Judge John J. Russo, a former president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.

Recovery Court Graduation 3-26-26

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:29:16 -0400

Recovery Court graduation was held on Thursday, March 26, in courtroom 15-D.

Judge Joan Synenberg honored three clients who completed the program. Family and friends joined in person and by Zoom.

Specialized dockets are courts that are dedicated to specific types of offenses or offenders and use a combination of different techniques for holding offenders accountable while also addressing the underlying causes of their behavior. There are more than 210 specialized dockets in Ohio, and Recovery Court focuses on those with dual diagnoses of addiction and trauma. Recovery Court is the first of its kind in Ohio and has also been certified to assist those who have been victims of human trafficking.

The certification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket, and assembling a treatment team for implementing daily operations of the specialized docket. The team can include licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, and is headed by the specialized docket judge.

Recovery Court is one of four dockets operating under the Drug Court umbrella in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Congratulations to the graduates!

11 Graduate Veterans Treatment Court

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:41:08 -0400

Eleven veterans successfully finished the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program on Thursday, March 26, and were awarded certificates of completion.

VTC Judge Andrew Santoli personally congratulated each graduate and presented them with a commemorative challenge coin and certificate. The ceremony was held in the history atrium of the Old Courthouse on Lakeside Avenue, and Judge Santoli also thanked two peer mentors who are retiring from the program.

Approved by the Bench in 2015, the mission of the VTC is to rehabilitate veterans by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system. The program involves a treatment team comprised of the Court, the Veterans Administration, community treatment providers, the Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Public Defender.

Six People Graduate MAT Drug Court

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:41:23 -0500

Six people graduated from the Medical Assisted Treatment Drug Court under Judge Hollie L. Gallagher on Friday, March 6

MAT Drug Court uses medication to help clients with a moderate to severe opioid use disorder and are moderate to high risk to reoffend based on the testing.

MAT is one of four dockets operating under the Drug Court umbrella in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Congratulations to the graduates!

HOPE Court Winter Graduation

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:49:35 -0500

On Wednesday, February 25, five clients graduated from the HOPE Court docket presided over by Judge Kevin J. Kelley.

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 to the docket in January 2025.

“It’s our assumption that everyone on this docket will complete it,” Judge Kelley told the crowd at the graduation ceremony in his courtroom. “I hope those who are still in the program will see these success stories today and know they have this to look forward to in their future,”

For some, completing HOPE Court means the case against them will be dismissed leaving them without a felony conviction. HOPE Court is one of four specialty Drug Court dockets in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Judge John P. O'Donnell To Serve Second Commercial Docket Term

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:30:04 -0500

Judge John P. O’Donnell has been selected to serve another three-year term on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court’s Commercial Docket.

At the end of a three-year term, a blind draw is conducted of the Court’s General Division Judges who express interest in being on the Commercial Docket. During the November 2025 Judges’ Meeting, Judge O’Donnell was approved by a vote of the Judges.

The four Judges on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Commercial Docket hear cases involving business-to-business disputes, including liquidations, trade secret disputes, non-compete contracts and shareholder disagreements. The docket is designed to resolve such cases more quickly, while establishing consistence and expertise among the docket’s judges.

The Cuyahoga County Commercial Docket also includes Judge Cassandra Collier-Williams, Judge Peter Corrigan, and Judge John J. Russo.

The Commercial Docket Program is available to Ohio counties with either six or more General Division judges, or populations exceeding 300,000. Establishing a Commercial Docket is up to each individual court.

Judge Jeffrey P. Saffold Appointed To MHDD Court

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:25:15 -0500

Judge Jeffrey P. Saffold is the latest Judge to preside over a docket in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) Court. Judge Saffold was appointed by Administrative and Presiding Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy, who he also succeeds on the docket.

Judge Saffold was elected in November 2022 to serve a six-year term. He received his bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University and his law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1995.

“It’s an honor to be appointed to this position,” says Judge Saffold. “The MHDD court provides structured oversight for individuals whose legal issues are closely connected to mental health challenges. We can help them to address the root causes of their behavior rather than simply imposing punishment. “

The MHDD Court was established in 2003 as a response to the increasing number of defendants with serious mental illnesses entering the criminal justice system. The MHDD Court is funded by the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, and supported by federal and local resources through the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD). Judge Saffold will oversee a specific docket within the MHDD Court to address defendants with severe mental illness and substance use disorders utilizing the drug court treatment model.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and the MHDD judges are committed to managing defendants by effectively utilizing scarce resources that can improve long-term success in treatment and reduce recidivism. Further, the Court is committed to identifying additional resources that will continue to enhance the program.

The MHDD Court includes Chairperson Judge Shannon M. Gallagher, Judge Emily Hagan, Judge Timothy P. McCormick, and Judge Jennifer O’Donnell.

Judge Sheehan Looks Back On Six Years As AJ/PJ

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 07:53:33 -0500

Judge Brendan J. Sheehan served three, two-year term as the Court's Administrative and Presiding Judge.

A Cleveland-area native, Judge Sheehan graduated from Baldwin Wallace University and received his law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1994. He earned a Master's in Judicial Studies from the University of Reno, Nevada, in 2013.

Judge Sheehan has worked in numerous positions in the Justice Center, starting as a scheduler while attending law school. He also served as a bailiff to Judges Donald Nugent and Peggy Foley Jones, and clerked in the Northern Ohio Federal Court. After some time in private practice, he joined Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, overseeing the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was elected to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and started on the Bench in 2008.

After only a few months as A.J., Judge Sheehan had to steer the Court through the COVID-19 pandemic. Ours was one of the first Courts in the nation to suspend trials, but the Court never closed.

In this interview with the Court's Public Information Officer, Darren Toms, Judge Sheehan looks back at his six years of accomplishments as the Administrative and Presiding Judge.

Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy Becomes Administrative and Presiding Judge

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:30:47 -0500

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy has been elected by his colleagues to be the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Shaughnessy was selected during the regular monthly meeting of the Court’s General Division Judges and the Administrative Judges of the other three divisions (Juvenile, Domestic Relations, Probate). He begins his two-year term January 1, taking over for Judge Brendan J. Sheehan who did not seek re-election after six years as Administrative Judge.

The Administrative Judge is responsible for overseeing Court operations, appointing committees, presiding over the General Division’s docket, and speaking about Court policy. As Presiding Judge, he represents the courts on matters that impact all divisions of the Common Pleas Court.

“It has been my honor to serve on the Court of Common Pleas General Division since 2017,” stated Judge Shaughnessy. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Judges across the various Courts. It is our goal and responsibility to ensure that every individual’s rights are protected, and justice is fairly administered to all.”

Judge Shaughnessy received his law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (now Cleveland State University College of Law) and is a graduate of Cleveland State University.

Prior to taking the Bench, Judge Shaughnessy focused his practice on criminal defense. He represented countless individuals at the local, state, and federal levels. For over a decade, he also served as the municipal prosecutor for the City of South Euclid. Judge Shaughnessy, and his family, have had a storied history with the Justice Center. From his days as a child watching his father, Thomas, practice criminal defense to his employment as a probation officer and bailiff for the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, he has a unique and deep understanding and appreciation for the history and operations of the Court. Judge Shaughnessy has also overseen one of the Court's five Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities dockets.

“I want to thank Judge Sheehan for his leadership over the past six years, especially his steady hand and ability to maintain the Court’s critical operations during the COVID pandemic. I am fortunate to have not only Judge Sheehan, but former Administrative Judges, John J. Russo and Nancy A. Fuerst, who continue to serve on the Court, as colleagues with incredible leadership skills and insight. It is my goal to move the Court forward and hopefully be worthy to stand with our former Administrative Judges who were so widely respected including Judge Richard McMonagle, Nancy R. McDonnell, and, of course, Judge Leo M. Spellacy,” adds Judge Shaughnessy.

Remodeled Jury Room Opens

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:27:37 -0500

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, General Division, has begun utilizing its newly renovated Jury Assembly Room in The Justice Center.

The months-long project required taking the old jury room down to the studs in most places and outfitting it with modern amenities including digital signage, an interactive video system, updated lighting and sound system, increased wi-fi capability, ample charging stations for juror’s electronic devices, and a free coffee and beverage station.

“This is the room that more members of the general public see than any other part of the Justice Center,” says Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan. “We are thrilled to provide this state-of-the-art gathering place for the most important people in the justice system, our jurors. Plus, the project was completed at little cost to the taxpayers of Cuyahoga County because most of the funding was through our special projects fund that comes from filing fees and other court costs."

Since the spring, jurors had been gathering in a temporary facility crafted from part of the Justice Center cafeteria. The newly renovated jury room has comfortable seating, regular and ADA accessible workstations, free lockers for juror use, a coffee station, and much more.

“This is our first upgrade since the 1990s,” says Court Administrator Greg Popovich. “This has been a bucket-list project of mine for years and I’m so pleased with all the work that’s gone into it. From the County’s skilled trades-workers to our own staff, everyone has worked hard to create a space we can be proud of.

Tens of thousands of citizens are summoned to serve as jurors each year to help decide criminal and civil cases before the Common Pleas Court.

Jail Opens Veterans Unit

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:58:51 -0500

Cuyahoga County leaders, including Judge Andrew Santoli, unveiled a new housing unit on Friday, November 14, in the County Jail for veterans who are facing criminal charges.

The specialized pod of cells caters to the needs of veterans facing criminal charges. Staff can address mental health challenges and trauma related to service through counseling, peer support, and re-entry tools.

"I know firsthand and my team knows firsthand how important it is for veteran-only spaces for their rehabilitation and their treatment," said Cuyahoga County Veterans Treatment Court Judge Andrew Santoli. "We know that veterans do better when they're surrounded by other veterans." VTC Probation Officer Stephanie Gilliams sang the National Anthem for the ceremony/press conference.

The mission driving the Veterans Treatment Court is to successfully rehabilitate veterans by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system, and providing them with the unique tools they need to lead a more productive and law-abiding life.

The Cuyahoga County Veterans Treatment Court is the largest in the state and among the largest in the country.

Veterans make up nearly 8% of the state prison population and about 6% of the federal prison population, according to data from the Justice Department. Those with post-traumatic stress disorder are 61% more likely to be criminally involved.

The jail’s previous veterans' pod closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

15 Graduate Veterans Treatment Court

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:47:00 -0500

Fifteen veterans successfully finished the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program on Thursday, November 6, and were awarded certificates of completion. This is a record number of graduates during a single ceremony.

Justice Center Cafeteria Reopens

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:27:54 -0500

The cafeteria on the 4th floor of the Justice Center has reopened after a lengthy renovation by its new occupant. It is serving hot breakfast and lunch items, long with grab and go cooler products and beverages. Also open is a new first floor coffee and snack stand.

The new Cafe on 4 vendor also operates the vending machines on the 4th floor and they will remain in place, along with additional machines in the new Jury Assembly Room.

We appreciate everyone’s patience during these exciting updates to the Justice Center!

Judge John J. Russo Honored By U.S. Marshals

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:13:09 -0400

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge John J. Russo has been honored as the Partner of the Year by the United States Marshals Service in the Northern District of Ohio. The award was presented at the USMS annual awards ceremony on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Cleveland State University.

“I am grateful and incredibly honored to be recognized as Partner of the Year by U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot and his team,” said Judge Russo. “We can only do our individual jobs efficiently if we work together.”

Judge Russo was praised for his collaboration with justice system stakeholders during his term as Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Judge Russo was also honored for his work in legal education, mentorship, and after-hours support to law enforcement.

“His leadership, humility, innovation and steadfast commitment to justice and public service make (Judge Russo) a truly deserving candidate for this award,” the U.S. Marshals Service wrote in the event’s program.

Judge Russo has been on the Bench since 2005 and served as Administrative and Presiding Judge from 2013 though 2019. He is a graduate of St. Edward High School, John Carroll University, and received his law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

This year’s ceremony included opening remarks by Cleveland State University President Dr. Laura Bloomberg and CSU Police Chief Beverly Pettrey. Speeches will also be given by former Browns Quarterback Bernie Kosar and Stipe Miocic, former professional mixed martial artist and graduate of Cleveland State University. Fraternal Order of Police President Jay McDonald also addressed the capacity crowd.

(FOP President Jay McDonald, US Marshal Pete Elliot, Judge John J. Russo)

HOPE Court Graduation

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:01:22 -0400

The HOPE (Helping Others Prosper Everyday) Drug Court celebrated its fall graduation on Wednesday, October 29, with four people completing the program.

HOPE Court is one of four specialty Drug Court dockets in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Settlement Week 2025

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:07:47 -0400

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court’s Dispute Resolution Department is partnering with other local courts for the 2025 Settlement Week the last week of October. During Settlement Week, Dispute Resolution schedules as many hearings as possible and invites attorneys to volunteer to mediate the cases.

Since the Court’s civil mediation program began in 1989, it has evolved from a fledgling alternative to trial into an established and effective forum for resolving civil disputes. The Ohio Legislature passed the Uniform Mediation Act in 2005, codifying many aspects of the mediation process. Today’s lawyers recognize mediation as a powerful and primary tool for resolving their client’s disputes.

Dispute Resolution is housed on the 10th floor of the Justice Center and mediation parties have access to five large hearing rooms and four smaller caucus rooms that double as mediator offices. Private rooms help protect the confidential and privileged nature of mediation communications.

Additionally, Domestic Relations Court staff mediators will be assisting the Juvenile Court to resolve some parenting/support cases during Settlement Week and Domestic Relations Court Judges will be asked to send cases to their mediation department. Domestic Relations Court mediators will also be participating in Legal Aid’s Pro Bono Week clinic on October 22 at the Cleveland Public Library to help with child support and parenting plans.

In addition to Settlement Week, a CLE for local attorneys will be held on Friday, October 31. Along with the Common Pleas Court General Division, representatives will be on hand from the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, and the 8Th District Court of Appeals. Lawyers will hear about what to expect in mediation/resolution conferences in each of the courts and how best to prepare clients for mediation. The CLE will also review the Ohio Mediation Act and each court’s local mediation rules.

60 Register For Pro Bono Collaborative

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:42:26 -0400

60 people were registered for the Court's monthly Pro Bono Collaborative on Friday, September 19.

Nearly three dozen volunteer attorneys and 11 law students assisted the clients who signed up ahead of time. Ten social services agencies were also on hand with information and advisors.

The Pro Bono Program got its start when Judge Joan Synenberg noticed that clients in her Recovery Drug Court needed legal help with legal issues beyond their criminal charges. The Court hired a coordinator for the program through a grant from the Nord Family Foundation.

The program received the Ohio State Bar Association's 2019 Innovative Court Programs and Practices Award.

Veterans Treatment Court Earns Recertification

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:42:42 -0400

The Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court has earned a three-year certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets.

In order to receive the certification, the VTC had to submit an application, undergo a site visit, and provide specific program materials in response to certification standards.

Presiding VTC Judge Andrew Santoli was congratulated by the Commission for receiving certification that is valid through December of 2028.

“It has truly been an honor to lead this docket,” says Judge Santoli. “This certification is a testament to the work being done by our team of coordinators, clinicians, probation officers, mentors, and attorneys. They’re making a big difference in the lives of the veterans we work with.”

Specialized dockets are courts that are dedicated to specific types of offenses or offenders and use a combination of different techniques for holding offenders accountable while also addressing the underlying causes of their behavior. There are more than 210 specialized dockets in Ohio courts dealing with issues such as drugs and alcohol, mental health, domestic violence, and human trafficking.

The standards provide a minimum level of uniform practices for specialized dockets throughout Ohio, and allow local courts to innovate and tailor to meet their community’s needs and resources.

The certification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket, and assembling a treatment team for implementing daily operations of the specialized docket. The team can include licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, and is presided over by the specialized docket judge.

Along with the Veterans Treatment Court, the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court also has five Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities dockets, four Drug Courts, and a High-Risk Domestic Violence Court, and a Violence Intervention Program (VIP) designed to stem gun violence.

(Judge Andrew Santoli at the July 2025 graduation with Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronanyne)