Court News

Double Drug Court Graduation

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:30:05 -0400

What an amazing way to kick off autumn! 15 people completed Drug Court programs and were celebrated on Wednesday, September 23, before a capacity crowd.

12 people completed the traditional Drug Court program presided over by Judge Kelly A. Gallagher. There were three graduates from Judge Hollie L. Gallagher's Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Drug Court docket. It serves individuals with an opioid use disorder and was created as a response to Ohio’s opioid pandemic.

Drug Court adheres to science-based principals, only accepting those who are assessed as drug dependent. Drug Court has graduated hundreds of individuals, returning them to their communities as sober citizens.

Each of the 15 graduates were recognized for completing the programs that provide 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.

Congratulations, graduates!

Remembering Judge Clark Weaver

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:15:10 -0400

Former Judge Clark Weaver died in September at the age of 93. Judge Weaver served on our Bench in 1992, and also on the Court of Appeals and as a Commissioner of the Ohio Court of Claims.

Born in April 28, 1934, in Sterling, Illinois. Judge Weaver married the love of his life, the late Janet (Holzmann) Weaver, in 1957 and remained devoted to his family until the end.

Judge Weaver had a long legal career, first in private practice including as a public defender and as a representative of the UAW. He was a Fellow at the Ohio Bar Association Foundation and a member of the Ohio, Parma, and Cleveland Bar Associations. He served as a Trustee of Southwest General Hospital. Judge Weaver was committed to giving back to his community as a member of Strongsville City Council, Strongsville Civil Service, and Strongsville Charter Commission. He was also a longstanding Deacon at Parma South Presbyterian Church.

A devoted athlete, Judge Weaver played baseball (first base, right field, catcher) for the US Army from 1957 to 1959. He remained loyal to his Cleveland teams and The Ohio State University, never missing a game and interacting fervently with the television.

“If you look up the definition of a life well lived, I think you would find a photo of Judge Weaver,” says Administrative and Presiding Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy. “His life was a testament to the importance of public service, family, and friendship.”

Pro Bono Collaborative Schedules October Session

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:32:33 -0400

The Court's next Pro Bono Collaborative of 2026 will be held on Friday, October 16.

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.

Pro Bono Collaborative Held On 9/11

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:47:22 -0400

60 people were registered for the Court's monthly Pro Bono Collaborative on Friday, September 11. Judge Joan Synenberg noted that it was significant that the event was being held on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks because, "It's an appropriate day to give back and help each other."

Nearly 40 volunteer attorneys and 10 law students assisted the clients who signed up ahead of time. 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.

Judge Stuart Friedman Passes Away

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:49:09 -0400

The Court was saddened to learn of the death of long-time Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Stuart A. Friedman.

Judge Friedman passed away on September 8, 2026, at the age of 82. Judge Friedman is survived by his beloved husband and lifelong partner, Arthur Kane.

Judge Friedman dedicated more than 40 years to a distinguished career in law, including serving as a judge for five terms, He retired in 2023.

Throughout his career, Judge Friedman approached his work with a deep commitment to equality and service to others. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan Law School, and the London School of Economics.

“It was my honor and privilege to litigate numerous cases before Judge Friedman and to serve alongside him on the Bench,” says Administrative and Presiding Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy. “He was an excellent judge, mentor, and a friend to all he met. The Court of Common Pleas was a better bench for having him, and his departure leaves us with great sorrow.”

Outside of his legal career, Judge Friedman had a lifelong appreciation for classical music and enjoyed playing the piano. He loved to travel, and his adventures with Arthur took them around the world, including Europe and Central America where they shared many memorable trips enjoying classical music together. His love of music and his community came together through his passion for The Music Settlement, which he generously supported to help continue music education and foster a love of music for generations. Judge Friedman also had a passion for photography, gardening, animals, and cooking especially his favorite dish, moussaka.

He will be remembered for his sensitive nature, generous spirit, commitment to equality, and deep love for his family and community.

MH-ADC Graduation

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:27:13 -0400

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court celebrated two graduates of its Mental Health Adult Drug Court (MH-ADC) program.

The clients graduated from the five-phase program under Judge Jennifer O’Donnell on Thursday, September 10. The MH-ADC docket is one of only two dual-diagnosis treatment courts in the State of Ohio that treats clients with severe mental illness and moderate to severe substance use disorder simultaneously using a multidisciplinary team approach.

To be admitted to the MH-ADC program, clients must sign a participation agreement and agree to be placed on probation for a term of two years. The program includes mental health and substance use disorder treatment at a partner facility, case management, counseling, peer support, employment assistance, and supervision by the Common Pleas Court probation department.

Funding for the MH-ADC comes from a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant which runs through the end of 2027. Around 40 people are currently being treated on the docket.

September VIP Graduation

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:58:53 -0400

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court graduated three participants of the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) on Tuesday, September 1.

VIP is designed to assist emerging adult participants, ages 18 to 26 years old, who are arrested with a weapon, but did not use that weapon in a crime. The program works to prevent felony offenders with gun-related specifications from becoming a gun-violence or even homicide-related statistic.

The three graduates completed a four-stage program which keeps a felony gun conviction off their records, a key to future employment opportunities.

VIP receives support from the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judges, the Court’s Probation Department, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the Office of the Public Defender, and other agency stakeholders.

The program is funded by a grant from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Affairs and accepts up to 50 participants per year.

(Judge Sheehan thanks the VIP team)

Rachel Colbert Receives Polk Award

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:56:48 -0400

Congratulations to Probation Officer Rachael Colbert, the Court's honoree at the 80th Franklin A. Polk Public Servants Merit Awards which recognizes non-elected public servants whose dedication, professionalism, and steady service help keep the justice system working for the people of Northeast Ohio. Rachel was nominated by Administrative and Presiding Judge Michael Shaughnessy.

Rachel began working for the Court on May 13, 1985, as a Clerk-Typist in the Probation Department at a starting salary of $8,000.00! As a Clerk-Typist, Rachel was trained to run Computerized Criminal History (CCH) reports. She also became proficient in WORD and EXCEL, no small feat considering Microsoft Office was first released just two years earlier.

With the help of the Probation Department's Tuition Reimbursement Program, Rachel completed her undergraduate degree at the Chancellor University. After earning her degree, Rachel was promoted to the role of Probation Officer on December 6, 2010. Since then, her supervisors have noted that she has worked extremely well with clients, showing them compassion and empathy while being firm, but fair.

"With more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, Rachel is more than deserving of the great recognition," says Judge Shaughnessy. "Thank you to the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation for the opportunity to recognize Probation Officer Rachel Colbert."

HOPE Court Summer Graduation

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:09:47 -0400

The HOPE (Helping Others Prosper Everyday) Drug Court celebrated its summer graduation on Wednesday, August 19, with three 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.

Judge Kelley told the graduates to look around when they left the building, knowing they had accomplished more than many of the people they would see.

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.

Love And Jury Duty

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:06:17 -0400

Most people come away from jury duty with a new respect for the legal system and the courts. Very few come away with a future spouse.

When David Amen of Lakewood answered his summons in July of 2024, he was running late and the 4^th floor Jury Assembly Room was nearly full. He managed to find a seat beside Laura Kroons and the two struck up a conversation. The two struck up a conversation and soon learned they had much in common.

Then Dave got called to be on a jury in Judge Joan Synenberg’s courtroom, but Laura was not. He had made the mistake of not getting her phone number. That was rectified when the two did some mutual sleuthing and exchanged emails, leading to their first date on July 24, 2024.

On Thursday, July 24, exactly two years after that first date, Dave and Laura exchanged marriage vows in Judge Synenberg’s courtroom. They considered it a full-circle moment from the day they met performing their civic duty.

We always want our jurors to consider their time with us as a positive experience. Many people have told us they have met new friends. Congratulations to Dave and Laura for making the most of that friendship and for including us in their wonderful day!

Thank you to Roosevelt Leftwich from Fox 8 for covering the wedding! Click here to see his report!

Interns Visit Supreme Court

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:43:32 -0400

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court summer interns got to tour the Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday, July 10.

The Supreme Court of Ohio is the highest judicial authority in the state of Ohio, exercising ultimate power over interpretations of Ohio law and the Ohio Constitution. Established in 1802, the court sits in the capital city of Columbus at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

VTC Celebrates 11 Graduates

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:48:34 -0400

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court celebrated the 4^th of July early with 11 clients graduating from the Veterans Treatment Court Docket on Thursday, July 2nd.

VTC Presiding Judge Andrew J. Santoli told the graduates it’s fitting that we hold the ceremony before a patriotic holiday because we also thank them for their service to the United States. The graduates included seven Army veterans, two Marines, and one each from the Navy and National Guard.

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.

Keynote speaker and VTC Mentor Nicole Andrako reminded the crowd gathered in the atrium of the historic old courthouse that, “Addiction is the only disease you pay for, but the cure is free.”

Special guests included retired VTC Judge Michael E. Jackson, who presided over the first session in 2015, and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.

This was also the final graduation ceremony for VTC Probation Officer Stephanie Gilliams, who has accepted a new position the Veterans Service Commission.

More than 250 veterans have successfully completed the VTC program and about 55 veterans are currently participating.

Inaugural MH-ADC Graduation

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:32 -0400

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is celebrating the first graduates of its Mental Health Adult Drug Court (MH-ADC) program.

Four participants graduated from the five-phase program under Judge Jennifer O’Donnell on Thursday, June 26. The MH-ADC docket is one of only two dual-diagnosis treatment courts in the State of Ohio that treats clients with severe mental illness and moderate to severe substance use disorder simultaneously using a multidisciplinary team approach.

“Thank you for trusting the process and believing in yourselves,” Judge O’Donnell told the graduates. “It hasn’t been easy, but you persevered and are leaving this program as changed individuals.”

“If I can do it, anyone can,” one of the graduates told the gathered friends and family. Another said, simply, “God is good.”

The inaugural ceremony was held at EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland Heights, an establishment that gives formerly incarcerated individuals an opportunity to learn and work in the food service industry. Owner Brandon Chrostowski personally congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Funding for the MH-ADC program comes from a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant which runs through the end of 2027. The docket currently serves approximately 45 active participants with plans for growth in the future.

Funding for the MH-ADC comes from a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant which runs through the end of 2027. Around 40 people are currently being treated on the docket.

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.

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 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.

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.