(Cleveland) – For the sixth year in a row, the Judges on the Cleveland Municipal Court have chosen the Honorable Michelle D. Earley as Administrative and Presiding Judge.
Contact: Ed Ferenc
Public Information Officer
Cleveland Municipal Court
(216) 664-6787 (216) 789-2597
ference@cmcoh.org
(Cleveland) – For the sixth year in a row, the Judges on the Cleveland Municipal Court have chosen the Honorable Michelle D. Earley as Administrative and Presiding Judge.
Since she took over that role in 2018, Judge Earley orchestrated the launch of the Pretrial Services Department, navigated the Court through the pandemic and most recently, oversaw the implementation of a new case management system, which she is very proud of.
“The goal was to provide a more efficient system of justice internally and externally and we are doing that now,” said Judge Earley.
When the Court scaled back operations due to the pandemic in 2020, Judge Earley took advantage of technology grants for virtual hearings to limit the spread of Covid-19. The Court also 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.
“After four years, I am happy to report the Pretrial Services Department has helped our judges make prompt, fair and effective decisions in the release or detention of defendants without jeopardizing the safety of the community.”
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.
Click here for more background about Judge Earley.