The Cleveland Municipal Court was established by the legislature in 1912. Prior to that time, it functioned as the “police court,” beginning in 1910. The Probation Department was organized as part of the original police court and was continued as part of the Municipal Court after January 1912. Misdemeanors are considered to be less serious types of offenses and constitute violations of city ordinances or state statute, which officially classify certain offense as misdemeanors. In these instances, the Cleveland Municipal Court has the authority to hear the case and determine all the issues involved. In the event the defendant is found guilty, the court may sentence the offender to the House of Correction, impose a fine or both. It may also suspend all or part of a sentence, grant probation or refer the offender to one of its many specialized programs.