Court Enhances Technology to Keep the Public Safe: Pandemic Protocol – Ensuring Safety and Responsibility without Risk

Contact:  Ed Ferenc, Public Information Officer

(Cleveland)—The Cleveland Municipal Court has taken extra steps to ensure the safety of those who have cases before the Court in the midst of the global pandemic.

The Court website, www.clevelandmunicipalcourt.org, has streamlined the process to plead not guilty and in some cases, get charges amended and resolved.  Also with the recently formed Pretrial Services Department, defendants are more readily released from jail and are monitored electronically.

“The Court needs to maintain the integrity of its processes, but we have to do it in a safe and timely manner.  It’s all about  fulfilling our duty without the risk of anyone getting COVID-19,” said Administrative and Presiding Judge Michelle D. Earley.

Following the suspension of all personal dockets from mid-March to June, the Court encouraged those with cases to enter not guilty pleas online and then coordinated with the Cleveland Prosecutors Office to amend all minor misdemeanor moving violations that do not involve motor vehicle accidents to a non-moving, no point violation.  Noting that the pandemic has caused an economic hardship for many Clevelanders, the Court is now accepting partial payment for fines:  www.clevelandmunicipalcourt.org/clerk-of-courts/criminal-traffic-division/time-to-pay-agreement 

Judge Earley says almost all of the cases that were postponed in the spring have been resolved mostly by virtual Zoom meetings, which will continue through the pandemic.  Those who have not heard about their case need to contact either the Clerk of Court or the Public Defender.

The Court is currently in the process of converting all civil proceedings to virtual video-conference Zoom or telephone hearings. The earliest filed and scheduled cases are being the first set for virtual hearings. All parties will be given timely notice of their virtual hearing date and time, along with helpful tips on how to navigate the new virtual courtroom environment.

Despite the pandemic, public access to the Court is still available, but limited to a minimum of six and a maximum of 12 people depending on the size of the courtroom.  Members of the public can enter the Justice Center only through the Ontario Street doors where they will have their temperature taken and asked a series of COVID-19 questions. Once cleared, they will be given a colored wristband to allow movement within the building. Members of the public will then be directed to lines dedicated to their destinations.

For those coming downtown to the Justice Center, face coverings MUST be worn when inside and if a person arrives without face covering, a mask will be provided to assist their taking of responsibility without risk.