(Cleveland) – For the fifth consecutive year, the Judges on the Cleveland Municipal Court have chosen the Honorable Michelle D. Earley as Administrative and Presiding Judge.
(Cleveland) – For the fifth consecutive year, the Judges on the Cleveland Municipal Court have chosen the Honorable Michelle D. Earley as Administrative and Presiding Judge.
Appreciating the vote by her colleagues on the bench, Judge Earley noted the challenges the Court has encountered since the pandemic began in March of 2020.
“There was no manual available explaining how to conduct court operations during a pandemic. However, it was important to the Court that we continue to administer justice for the individuals who utilize the Court,” said Judge Earley.
Under her leadership, the Court encouraged individuals 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. Much of that process was accomplished by revamping the Court’s website (www.cmcoh.org). This was all done in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19 by reducing the number of individuals who
had to make court appearances in the Cleveland Municipal Court.
In 2018, Judge Earley orchestrated the launch of the Pretrial Services Department, which helped the Court in making prompt, fair and effective decisions in the release or detention of defendants, which also helped in lowering the jail population.
Looking ahead, Judge Earley will oversee the roll-out of a new case management system that she believes will provide a more efficient system of justice.
“It’s important that the court have an efficient way to communicate with the many agencies we partner with. All processes in this new system will be streamlined internally and externally and that will make a huge difference in the delivery
of justice,” she said.
The Cleveland Municipal Court has jurisdiction in misdemeanor cases where the maximum sentence does not exceed one year in jail and/or a fine of not more than $1,000, the initial appearances of those charged with felony offenses committed within its jurisdiction,
small claims not exceeding $6,000 and civil disputes that can range as high as $15,000.