Summit County, Ohio: Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Christine Croce has received initial certification by the Ohio Supreme Court for the Turning Point Program Drug Docket. Initial certification indicates that the program description incorporates all of the required elements from the standards and authorizes operation of the specialized docket.

Turning Point is a specialized docket for non-violent, drug-dependent offenders to receive intensive court supervision, participate in appropriate drug and mental health treatment, and submit to random drug and alcohol testing. Turning Point’s mission is to improve the overall quality of life in Summit County by providing a cost-effective way to reduce crime and allow offenders to transform into positive, contributing community members.

Judge Joy Malek Oldfield currently serves as Presiding Judge for the Turning Point Program. With a docket of nearly 200 participants, Judge Oldfield determined that a second Turning Point judge was necessary to provide the proper amount of time and attention to participants to help them be successful. Judge Christine Croce was selected to split the docket and preside over half of the Turning Point cases.

“I am very excited and honored to be part of the Turning Point Program and to play a role in the success of Turning Point participants,” stated Judge Croce.

“The presumption by the general public is that someone who is engaged in the use of illegal drugs that could result in devastating consequences, including death, should just stop using. But the reality is addiction is not that simple. People need to be given the tools to maintain their sobriety in order to break the cycle of dependency and recidivism,” concluded Judge Croce.

Judge Croce will hold Turning Point sessions beginning in August. Anyone interested in learning more about the Turning Point program should visit www.summitcpcourt.net.