The Cleveland Municipal Court’s General Division handled more than 50,000 cases in 2024. That includes traffic cases and civil disputes as well as misdemeanor crimes such as theft and domestic violence. The judges also set bail and make decisions in some felony cases. Cleveland’s court, which also serves the Village of Bratenahl, is one of the oldest and largest municipal courts in Ohio. For this election, candidates are competing for three different seats on the court.

In Son J. Loving and Heather McCollough

The Cleveland Municipal Court has programs that give people a chance to avoid convictions for certain crimes. It also has special dockets and programs for veterans, domestic violence cases and people with drug addictions and mental health issues. How well do you think these programs work? What changes or different options do you want to see?

The Court’s specialized dockets focus on specific needs and as such are crucial components of a more compassionate and effective justice system. They recognize that traditional court processes don’t always address the underlying issues that lead people into the legal system, and they provide support that can reduce recidivism.

These programs have made significant strides in connecting participants with treatment, counseling and social services rather than relying solely on punishment. I would like to see expanded capacity and resources to ensure that everyone who qualifies can participate without long wait times or other barriers to access.

Strengthening collaboration and communication between the court, social service providers and community partners is also critical to ensure the specialized dockets and programs are working effectively.

Having family members who have experienced the justice system, I understand firsthand how specialized dockets can provide a more compassionate and effective approach. I am committed to supporting and expanding these programs to better serve Cleveland’s vulnerable residents and to promote pathways toward recovery, stability and justice.

How would you keep your biases, personal beliefs and community pressures in check when deciding cases involving people of different races, economic or social backgrounds, identities or life experiences?

As a labor and employment attorney and someone who comes from a diverse background myself, I have had the privilege of working closely with individuals from a wide range of races, economic statuses, identities and life experiences. These relationships have taught me to listen carefully and respect different perspectives, which will help me approach each case with an open mind.

I recognize that every judge brings their own life experiences and perspectives to the bench, but it is essential to remain vigilant in ensuring that personal biases, beliefs or community pressures do not influence judicial decisions. To ensure impartiality, my decisions will be based solely on the facts and the applicable law rather than personal feelings, external influence, or subjective impressions. More importantly, I will ensure that every person who comes before me is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, identity or social or economic background. 

Cleveland Municipal Court has reduced the use of cash bail by relying on pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring and bail assessments  What role should cash bail play in municipal court cases?

Cash bail serves a dual purpose — to ensure a defendant’s appearance at court and to protect public safety. However, cash bail often disproportionately impacts low-income individuals, punishing poverty rather than addressing actual risk.

When we consider the jurisdiction of the Cleveland Municipal Court – over misdemeanor matters – the cases tend to involve low-level offenses and less serious charges. Considering the potential consequences of incarceration, I support the Court’s efforts to reduce cash bail through alternatives that ensure court appearance and public safety without incarcerating people simply because they cannot afford bail. However, I recognize that cash bail is not appropriate in all circumstances and that, in certain instances, a defendant might pose a risk to the community if released while awaiting trial. Therefore, cash bail should be used carefully on a case-by-case basis.

Judges are supposed to consider a person’s ability to pay when ordering court fines, fees and financial penalties. How will you carry this out in practice?

To carry out the requirement of considering a person’s ability to pay, I will assess the individual’s financial situation prior to imposing any fines or penalties. In instances where an individual demonstrates an inability to pay fines or penalties, I will explore alternative arrangements that are feasible and avoid imposing additional penalties that are punitive in nature. 

People who end up in court often have underlying challenges, including mental health or addiction issues or a lack of financial resources. Share any experience you have working with people who face these or similar challenges.

A significant part of my motivation to seek judicial office at the municipal level stems from my lived experience. While not all stories are mine to tell, I have witnessed the challenges my loved ones faced with mental health, addiction and lack of financial resources. This personal connection has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many individuals who appear before the court.

I hold a degree in psychology, which has provided me with a strong foundation in understanding mental health and human behavior. Throughout my legal career and community involvement, I have worked with individuals facing a range of underlying challenges including mental health issues and a lack of financial resources. This insight equips me to approach cases with compassion and an informed perspective on the underlying root causes that bring individuals into the justice system.

The experience a person has while navigating a court case can strain their trust in the justice system. As a judge, who could hear thousands of cases a year, how would you build trust in the system?

I recognize that the experience individuals have while navigating the court system can significantly impact their trust in the judiciary. I’ve said many times that individuals who come before the Court may be experiencing some of the worst moments in their lives, and their courtroom experience can significantly impact their outlook and their future.

I am committed to treating every person with dignity, respect and fairness, regardless of their background or the nature of their case. At a very basic level, this begins with clear communication – explaining procedures, rights and decisions in a way that is understandable and transparent. I would ensure that court interactions are respectful and that all parties feel heard.

I would build trust by ensuring that my decisions are made fairly and impartially, free of bias. I would also make sure that community members know that my courtroom is open to the public.

Moreover, I advocate for problem-solving justice, one that connects individuals to supportive services, especially those facing challenges such as mental health or addiction.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

Although I have not previously held elected office, my career as a public servant and my involvement in community work reflects my commitment to public service and civic engagement.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with local agencies and organizations focused on issues that impact the community. I coach mock trial, which allows me to mentor a future generation of lawyers and critical thinkers. I also serve as co-chair of the CMBA’s 3Rs program — Rights, Responsibilities and Realities — which brings legal professionals into high school classrooms to teach students about the U.S. Constitution. Through this work, we aim to empower young people to become informed, engaged citizens.

I am actively engaged in social justice initiatives. Additionally, I have volunteered at legal clinics, including those focused on expungement, helping individuals clear barriers to employment and education.

These experiences have given me a strong connection to Cleveland’s communities and a clear understanding of the challenges many face. I am committed to bringing this perspective to the bench, along with my legal expertise, and a deep understanding of the community’s needs.

The Cleveland Municipal Court has programs that give people a chance to avoid convictions for certain crimes. It also has special dockets and programs for veterans, domestic violence cases and people with drug addictions and mental health issues. How well do you think these programs work? What changes or different options do you want to see?

I think that the specialized dockets are vital. Most people aren’t committing crimes for the fun of it. They have substance abuse issues, anger problems and mental illnesses that need to be addressed so that they can stop harming themselves and others. My understanding is that the domestic violence diversion program has been discontinued. Many times the victims in these situations just want to see their partners get help. They don’t want to end the relationship and want them to be able to assist with caring for their children. This program gave those defendants an opportunity to do that.

How would you keep your biases, personal beliefs and community pressures in check when deciding cases involving people of different races, economic or social backgrounds, identities or life experiences?

This can be difficult sometimes with some cases, but I learned years ago how to compartmentalize and focus on the outcomes desired by the clients, victims and defendants. I can give you my opinion, but I cannot impose my will on others. 

Cleveland Municipal Court has reduced the use of cash bail by relying on pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring and bail assessments  What role should cash bail play in municipal court cases?

It can act as an incentive for defendants to return to court so that they won’t lose that money. It can also be utilized to pay their fines so that people will have a smaller bill to pay when the case is over.

Judges are supposed to consider a person’s ability to pay when ordering court fines, fees and financial penalties. How will you carry this out in practice?

Most of the people coming to court use the public defender’s office to represent them. They fill out an affidavit of indigency form which details their income and expenses. Also simply asking them when they are before the bench will aid in making decisions.

People who end up in court often have underlying challenges, including mental health or addiction issues or a lack of financial resources. Share any experience you have working with people who face these or similar challenges.

I took the training necessary to handle defendants with mental health problems with the Common Pleas Court. A large number of the defendants in East Cleveland court had those issues, and we had programs or utilized Cleveland’s Drug Court and Mental Health docket to assist them.

The experience a person has while navigating a court case can strain their trust in the justice system. As a judge, who could hear thousands of cases a year, how would you build trust in the system?

By ensuring that they understand what is going on with their case at every step. By allowing them to ask me questions about the flow of their case so that they don’t feel forced into a decision due to lack of knowledge. By giving them an opportunity to be heard even if they don’t like the outcome. 

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

15 years as the public defender for East Cleveland.  Then 7 years as the prosecutor and assistant law director for East Cleveland. I also volunteered with the Legal Aid Society for 2 years prior to becoming an attorney.  

TJ Dow and Khalilah Lawson

The Cleveland Municipal Court has programs that give people a chance to avoid convictions for certain crimes. It also has special dockets and programs for veterans, domestic violence cases and people with drug addictions and mental health issues. How well do you think these programs work? What changes or different options do you want to see?

The special dockets and programs at Cleveland Municipal Court, for veterans, domestic violence cases, and individuals struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues, address root causes behind many legal challenges. These initiatives provide targeted support and alternatives to traditional prosecution, focusing on healing and rehabilitation rather than just punishment.

While these programs have had a positive impact, I believe stronger connections between them are needed. Building a stronger bridge between the mental health docket and drug court could offer more coordinated care for individuals facing dual diagnosis, those dealing with both mental health disorders and substance abuse.

Additionally, expanding support for victims, especially those affected by domestic violence, is crucial. Providing more resources, advocacy and counseling helps ensure victims’ healing and safety.

By improving collaboration and emphasizing victim support, we can create a more compassionate, effective justice system that serves our entire community.

How would you keep your biases, personal beliefs and community pressures in check when deciding cases involving people of different races, economic or social backgrounds, identities or life experiences?

Growing up, I experienced discrimination and mistreatment firsthand, which gave me a deep understanding of the pain and injustice that bias can cause. Because of this, I am dedicated to ensuring that no one who appears before me feels marginalized or unfairly judged.

My professional journey, from Assistant County Prosecutor to Cleveland City Councilman and now as a Magistrate, has given me the opportunity to work with people from diverse racial, economic, social and cultural backgrounds. These experiences have reinforced the importance of empathy, fairness and impartiality in the courtroom.

To keep my biases and personal beliefs in check, I practice self-awareness and actively reflect on my decisions. I commit to listening carefully to each person’s unique story and evaluating every case solely on the facts and the law.

My goal as a judge is to treat everyone with dignity and fairness, ensuring justice is delivered without prejudice or outside influence.

Cleveland Municipal Court has reduced the use of cash bail by relying on pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring and bail assessments  What role should cash bail play in municipal court cases?

Cash bail should not be a one-size-fits-all solution in municipal court cases. Every case must be handled based on its unique facts and circumstances. The Cleveland Municipal Court’s efforts to reduce reliance on cash bail, by using pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring, and bail assessments, reflect a more equitable approach to justice. These alternatives help ensure public safety and court appearance without placing undue financial burdens on individuals who may not be able to afford bail.

Cash bail can still have a role but should be reserved for cases where it is truly necessary to protect the community or ensure the defendant’s return to court. Decisions about bail must weigh the risks and individual factors rather than defaulting to cash as a means of restriction.

Ultimately, our goal should be a fair system that does not penalize poverty but maintains safety and accountability. This approach promotes justice rooted in facts and fairness.

Judges are supposed to consider a person’s ability to pay when ordering court fines, fees and financial penalties. How will you carry this out in practice?

As a Magistrate, I do consider each individual’s financial situation carefully when ordering fines, fees and penalties. I offer reasonable payment plans to ensure people are not overwhelmed by financial obligations all at once. When appropriate, I waive time to pay fees, providing flexibility for those facing hardships. Additionally, I assess and qualify individuals as indigent when they lack the means to pay court costs and fees, waiving these expenses accordingly.

If elected as judge, I will continue this approach rooted in fairness and compassion. It is essential that court financial requirements do not become barriers to fair treatment or cause unnecessary hardship. By balancing accountability with sensitivity to a person’s ability to pay, I will work to uphold equity and support responsible outcomes for all.

People who end up in court often have underlying challenges, including mental health or addiction issues or a lack of financial resources. Share any experience you have working with people who face these or similar challenges.

I have worked directly with individuals facing underlying challenges such as mental health issues, addiction and financial hardship, giving me firsthand insight into the complexities they experience. I understand how these struggles can contribute to involvement with the court system, and I approach each case with empathy and respect for their circumstances. Additionally, I have family members who have battled and continue to deal with both mental health and addiction challenges, which deepens my personal understanding and commitment to compassionate justice. This background informs my belief in the importance of supportive programs and tailored approaches that address the root causes behind legal difficulties, helping individuals find pathways to recovery and stability rather than simply punishment.

The experience a person has while navigating a court case can strain their trust in the justice system. As a judge, who could hear thousands of cases a year, how would you build trust in the system?

Building trust in the justice system begins long before anyone steps into the courtroom. As a judge, I believe it is essential to be visible and engaged in the community, attending school events, local events and public forums, to foster open communication and understanding. This presence helps demystify the court process and shows that the judiciary is approachable and invested in the people it serves.

Inside the courtroom, fairness must be paramount. I will always strive to treat every person with respect and dignity, ensuring that no favoritism or bias influences decisions. Consistency, transparency and impartiality are key to reinforcing trust. When people feel heard and see justice administered equitably, their confidence in the system grows, even in difficult circumstances.

Ultimately, trust is earned through ongoing community involvement, fairness and accountability at every stage of the judicial process.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

I began my legal career as an Assistant County Prosecutor, where I gained invaluable experience advocating for justice and protecting our community. Alongside my professional duties, I have always been committed to giving back through volunteer work that supports and uplifts our neighborhoods.

My dedication to public service led me to serve as a Cleveland City Councilman, where I worked tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of our residents. Currently, I serve as a Magistrate, applying my legal knowledge and judgment every day to ensure fairness and integrity in our courts.

This broad background in prosecution, community engagement, legislative service and judicial responsibilities uniquely equips me to serve as judge, with a deep understanding of the law and a heartfelt commitment to our community.

The Cleveland Municipal Court has programs that give people a chance to avoid convictions for certain crimes. It also has special dockets and programs for veterans, domestic violence cases and people with drug addictions and mental health issues. How well do you think these programs work? What changes or different options do you want to see?

I’ve presided over all the Court’s Specialty Dockets. Each one is significant in the outcome and success of litigants’ cases. Our Mental Health Docket provides intensive treatment and supervision, and they are afforded health services and case management assistance to help them remain in the community as functioning, law abiding citizens. I believe treatment and case support is a necessary alternative for individuals who struggle with any disorder and become placed on our specialty dockets. Our goal is to be a helping court and serve all people in the best possible way.

Additionally, Drug Court Docket is another great docket as it can serve as a sentencing alternative where treatment becomes a major component of success and a method used to prevent recidivism. If given the opportunity, I would like to create programming and merge services where we can treat litigants that may have a dual diagnosis that cover multiple specialty dockets. For example, a person may be struggling with mental health and drug abuse could benefit from services that are provided on both dockets. 

How would you keep your biases, personal beliefs and community pressures in check when deciding cases involving people of different races, economic or social backgrounds, identities or life experiences?

As a woman, and an African American, I have experienced discrimination, injustice, and have been overlooked. I know what that looks and feels like. I never want a person to experience that, particularly when they enter a place where justice is supposed to be blind. I was born and raised in this city and graduated from Cleveland Public Schools. Cleveland is a melting pot of all races, ethnicities and social and cultural backgrounds. Discrimination and personal bias have no room on our Court Bench. My campaign is a grassroots movement. My family has been involved every step of the way to keep me grounded, encouraged and motivated to make a difference even when faced with opposition. I will have that same mentality while on the bench. My family instilled in me the importance of fairness, character and fighting for the rights of other people.

I support and advocate for civil rights of all people. I believe in the working class, and I am willing to fight for what I know is right. I value every litigant and make sure I represent the people of the city of Cleveland with a renewed sense of hope, pride and compassion for all.

Cleveland Municipal Court has reduced the use of cash bail by relying on pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring and bail assessments  What role should cash bail play in municipal court cases?

Cash bail should never be used as a punishment before someone has been convicted. Its primary purpose is to ensure a person returns to court, but, too often, it has created a two-tiered justice system: one for those who can afford to pay and another for those who cannot.

As a judge, I believe cash bail should be the exception, not the rule. Cleveland Municipal Court has already taken important steps by using pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring and risk assessments to balance public safety with fairness. I support continuing and strengthening those efforts. Individuals who pose no risk to public safety should not sit in jail simply because they are poor. Our justice system should be based on risk, not wealth, and I am committed to applying the law with compassion, accountability and equity while ensuring public safety remains a top priority.

Judges are supposed to consider a person’s ability to pay when ordering court fines, fees and financial penalties. How will you carry this out in practice?

Systemic disparities in bail, sentencing and financial penalties too often make it harder for people, especially those from low-income communities, to move forward. As judge, I will not allow poverty or circumstance to determine someone’s future. Before ordering fines or fees, I will always ask about a person’s ability to pay and, when appropriate, waive or adjust costs so that they don’t become barriers to justice. I will also support programs that connect people with transportation, job training and other resources to help them meet court requirements and succeed after their case. Accountability matters, but so do fairness and opportunity. Everyone who walks into my courtroom should have a real chance to resolve their case, rebuild their life and move forward without being trapped by financial hardship.

People who end up in court often have underlying challenges, including mental health or addiction issues or a lack of financial resources. Share any experience you have working with people who face these or similar challenges.

Throughout my career, from serving as a prosecutor and defense attorney to my current role as a Senior Magistrate, I have worked closely with people facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, housing instability and financial hardship. I’ve presided over specialized dockets, including the Mental Health Court, Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Docket, which are designed to address the root causes of why people come into contact with the justice system. These experiences have taught me that true justice requires more than punishment, it requires compassion, resources and support. In my courtroom, I will continue to connect individuals to treatment programs, counseling, job training and other services that help them succeed beyond their case. My goal is not just to resolve legal matters but to break cycles that bring people back into the system and give them a real chance to rebuild their lives.

The experience a person has while navigating a court case can strain their trust in the justice system. As a judge, who could hear thousands of cases a year, how would you build trust in the system?

During my tenure in the justice system, I’ve learned that trust is built not by titles, but by how people are treated. As the Senior Magistrate and former prosecutor, defense attorney, and bailiff, I’ve seen how confusing and intimidating the court can be. As judge, I will make sure every person who enters my courtroom is treated with dignity, respect and patience. I’ll explain decisions clearly and use plain language so people understand their rights, responsibilities and the legal process. I will also connect individuals to resources and programs that help them succeed beyond their case. By being fair, consistent and transparent, and by seeing people as more than their charges, I will work to rebuild trust in the system, one interaction at a time.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

My career has been dedicated to public service and breaking barriers for underrepresented communities. I’m an active member of the National Council of Negro Women and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., organizations focused on service, equity and empowerment. As a member and former board member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, I serve on the Character and Fitness Committee and volunteer with programs like Stokes Scholars and 3Rs, teaching civics to Cleveland high school students. Currently, I serve as the Senior Magistrate for the Cleveland Municipal Court and have also served as a Magistrate for the Cuyahoga County Probate Court, Assistant Prosecutor, Criminal Defense Attorney and Personal Bailiff. I’ve practiced on every side of the courtroom, giving me a deep understanding of justice. Before entering law, I worked as a substitute teacher for Cleveland Public Schools, and I remain committed to serving this community with compassion and integrity.

Brett Horton, Nikki McGowan, Joseph Russo, Christopher Woodworth

The Cleveland Municipal Court has programs that give people a chance to avoid convictions for certain crimes. It also has special dockets and programs for veterans, domestic violence cases and people with drug addictions and mental health issues. How well do you think these programs work? What changes or different options do you want to see?

Cleveland Municipal Court’s specialized dockets, serving veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals struggling with addiction or mental health, are vital tools for a fair and effective justice system. These programs don’t just process cases; they give people the chance to confront the root causes of their struggles.

I believe strengthening these dockets is essential. By providing treatment, accountability and support, we can reduce recidivism and give people a path forward. As a judge, I will work to expand the impact of these programs, ensure they are accessible and effective, and explore additional innovative options that prioritize both public safety and human dignity.

How would you keep your biases, personal beliefs and community pressures in check when deciding cases involving people of different races, economic or social backgrounds, identities or life experiences?

The duty of a judge is to uphold the law and ensure that every person who comes before the court is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. Cases must be decided on the facts and the law and never on personal opinions, outside pressures or the background of the individual.

With 30 years of legal experience, I have represented clients from every walk of life (including individuals without resources), organizations serving our city, and people navigating some of the toughest moments of their lives. Justice must be blind to race, economics, identity or circumstance.

I am committed to creating a courtroom where everyone can trust that their voice will be heard, their rights will be protected, and the law will be applied impartially. Maintaining that trust requires constant self-reflection, transparency and adherence to the principles of judicial ethics. 

Cleveland Municipal Court has reduced the use of cash bail by relying on pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring and bail assessments  What role should cash bail play in municipal court cases?

Evidence-based assessments, pretrial supervision and electronic monitoring have already proven successful in Cleveland, significantly reducing missed court dates. These approaches are more effective than relying on cash bail, which should be the exception, not the rule.

When cash bail is necessary, it must be narrowly tailored and used only when no non-financial condition will suffice. Bail should be set at an amount the defendant can reasonably pay so it does not function as detention, and it must reflect the person’s actual risk of failing to appear or posing a threat to public safety.

As judge, I will strengthen oversight of how bail is applied, expand the use of supportive pretrial programs, and ensure that every decision is grounded in fairness, public safety, and respect for due process.

Judges are supposed to consider a person’s ability to pay when ordering court fines, fees and financial penalties. How will you carry this out in practice?

Judges have a duty to consider a person’s ability to pay, and I take that very seriously. A fine that someone cannot possibly pay is likely to create debt and even repeat offenses.

As judge, I would use clear financial disclosure forms, set up fair payment plans, and, when needed, provide alternatives like community service. The goal is accountability that fits the person’s circumstances so penalties are realistic, enforceable and fair. 

People who end up in court often have underlying challenges, including mental health or addiction issues or a lack of financial resources. Share any experience you have working with people who face these or similar challenges.

For more than 25 years, I have mentored and tutored our youth in Cleveland’s public schools, many of whom come from families facing financial hardship. That experience has shown me the importance of listening, understanding different perspectives, and recognizing the challenges that shape people’s lives.

Beyond the classroom, I have worked with individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction and poverty. These encounters have reinforced my belief that effective solutions require both accountability and compassion. My legal career has given me direct experience with clients navigating these same issues in Municipal Court, deepening my understanding of how justice can either build someone up or push them further down.

The experience a person has while navigating a court case can strain their trust in the justice system. As a judge, who could hear thousands of cases a year, how would you build trust in the system?

Every interaction matters. People must leave the courtroom feeling they were treated with fairness and respect, even if they don’t agree with the outcome. I would build trust by being fully prepared, applying the law consistently, and treating every person, regardless of their background, with dignity. That is how confidence in the justice system is restored and maintained.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

As I noted above, for more than 25 years, I’ve been deeply engaged in mentoring and tutoring children in Cleveland’s public schools. This work has kept me connected to the challenges and potential of our city’s youth, and it continues to ground my belief that early guidance and opportunity can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

The Cleveland Municipal Court has programs that give people a chance to avoid convictions for certain crimes. It also has special dockets and programs for veterans, domestic violence cases and people with drug addictions and mental health issues. How well do you think these programs work? What changes or different options do you want to see?

The Court’s Specialized Dockets can make a huge impact on clients and their communities. I have had the privilege of representing clients in all of these dockets for the last several years, and I have seen up close how the resources and services they offer change lives: Veterans being connected to benefits through the VA that they never knew they could access and clients with mental health or substance use disorders receiving the services and attention that they need. If elected, I would like to see these dockets expanded.

How would you keep your biases, personal beliefs and community pressures in check when deciding cases involving people of different races, economic or social backgrounds, identities or life experiences?

As a Public Defender, I have represented some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community. Defendants appearing before the court are often facing obstacles that go well beyond their criminal charges. I know very well that they should not be defined by the case filed against them. If elected, I would strive to treat everyone appearing in court — defendants, victims and law enforcement — with patience, dignity and the respect that they deserve. 

Cleveland Municipal Court has reduced the use of cash bail by relying on pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring and bail assessments  What role should cash bail play in municipal court cases?

The reduction of cash bail in the Court is a welcome reform. Each day that a defendant spends in jail awaiting trial has rapid and devastating impacts on almost every aspect of their lives. The increased focus on Court Supervised Release allows defendants to remain in the community — preserving their employment and family life — while their cases are pending.

If elected, I would ensure to carefully and thoughtfully consider each individual’s needs when considering a bond.

Judges are supposed to consider a person’s ability to pay when ordering court fines, fees and financial penalties. How will you carry this out in practice?

Even a fine of $50 can put a huge strain on many of my clients. Generally, Cleveland Municipal judges appreciate this, and will often waive fines and costs at my request, or at least give my clients a fair payment plan. If elected I would take every defendant’s life situation into consideration when considering fines. 

People who end up in court often have underlying challenges, including mental health or addiction issues or a lack of financial resources. Share any experience you have working with people who face these or similar challenges.

Many of my clients are appearing in court at the worst times of their lives and need somebody who will listen to them and who will advocate for them. In a building where they may feel that everyone is against them — the judge, the prosecutor, the probation officer — I have to work to earn their trust and show them that I am on their side and will advocate for them. 

The experience a person has while navigating a court case can strain their trust in the justice system. As a judge who could hear thousands of cases a year, how would you build trust in the system?

The lack of confidence in our public institutions is concerning, but also understandable. I think the most important thing that a judge can do is to listen — patiently — to the concerns and needs of those appearing in front of them. The only way to instill trust is by showing one person at a time that you hear them, that you respect them, and that you will treat them fairly. 

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

I have spent my legal career with the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office, primarily in the Municipal Division, where I represent clients charged with criminal and traffic offenses in Cleveland Municipal Court. The Office also sponsors off-site events to assist the public with record expungement, warrant recalls and driver’s license reinstatement. 

The Cleveland Municipal Court has programs that give people a chance to avoid convictions for certain crimes. It also has special dockets and programs for veterans, domestic violence cases and people with drug addictions and mental health issues. How well do you think these programs work? What changes or different options do you want to see?

Specialized dockets are a valuable asset to the court, but I believe they are underutilized. More importantly, individuals are often not transferred to these dockets as promptly as they should be. Many would benefit from having their cases handled by specialized judges earlier in the pre-trial process.

How would you keep your biases, personal beliefs and community pressures in check when deciding cases involving people of different races, economic or social backgrounds, identities or life experiences?

I’m deeply aware that bias — conscious or unconscious — can affect decision-making. To keep mine in check, I prioritize self-awareness, ongoing reflection and continual education, especially on issues of race, identity and social background.

I focus strictly on the facts, the law and the evidence presented — never on assumptions, public pressure or personal beliefs. I ensure every person before me is heard respectfully and treated equally under the law. Maintaining impartiality isn’t passive — it requires active effort, humility and a commitment to fairness.

Cleveland Municipal Court has reduced the use of cash bail by relying on pre-trial supervision, electronic monitoring and bail assessments  What role should cash bail play in municipal court cases?

Cash bail should be used sparingly in municipal court. However, it can be appropriate in cases where an individual has a repeated history of missing court dates or when there is a legitimate safety concern. It’s important for judges to take the time to consider the individual’s full history when setting bail.

Judges are supposed to consider a person’s ability to pay when ordering court fines, fees and financial penalties. How will you carry this out in practice?

I do this every day in my current role. I inquire into each individual’s financial situation — not to embarrass them, but to ensure that any financial sanction imposed is fair, not unduly burdensome, and serves its purpose of accountability and deterrence.

People who end up in court often have underlying challenges, including mental health or addiction issues or a lack of financial resources. Share any experience you have working with people who face these or similar challenges.

My experience as an AmeriCorps member gave me valuable insight into the challenges many in our community face. Additionally, as a former assistant county prosecutor, my work with witnesses and victims often brought me into contact with some of the most marginalized individuals in our community.

The experience a person has while navigating a court case can strain their trust in the justice system. As a judge, who could hear thousands of cases a year, how would you build trust in the system?

As a judge, I’m fully aware that a person’s experience in court — regardless of the outcome — can deeply affect their trust in the justice system. I hear hundreds of cases a month, and I make it a priority to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, given the opportunity to be heard, and provided with clear explanations of the court’s decisions. Even in a high-volume court, taking the time to be fair, respectful and transparent helps build trust in the system.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

I am a former assistant county prosecutor.