Summit County, Ohio: Judge Amy Corrigall Jones, Administrative Judge of the Summit County Common Pleas Court General Division, announced today that she has taken the following steps to implement technology and enhance remote access to General Division services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated Ohio Department of Health Orders.

Skype:

Skype video conferencing is currently in place.  Criminal defendants can request a Skype hearing by going to the www.summitcpcourt.net.   Users will see a pop up and a tab that will lead to a form for the user to completely fill out.  The completed form will be sent to the appropriate office (Judge or magistrate) and the Court will contact the user to set up the hearing.

Future Video Conferencing through Zoom or Ring Central:

The Court intends to finalize the purchase of an encrypted video conference system via Zoom/Ring Central in the near future.

Arraignment Waivers/Continuances:

Defendants, with the advice and assistance of counsel, can execute a written waiver form pursuant to Criminal Rule 10(B).  Once the waiver form has been signed and filed with the Summit County Clerk of Court, the arraignment will be scheduled.

Stand in counsel has been appointed by the Administrative Judge for all arraignments.   The case will be called, the waiver put on the record, and the case will be rolled.  The Defendant and defense counsel will be notified by the Magistrate’s office of the Judge assignment and date and time for the first pretrial.

A representative from the court will be discussing these current initiatives on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. as part of the Akron Bar Association program providing a forum for local courts to address local attorneys and provide updated information pertaining to court operations.

Corrigall Jones said these actions have been taken as a proactive approach out of concern for the well-being of the employees and public.   “In an effort to protect our employees and the public, we are limiting the number of people coming into this courthouse,” Corrigall Jones said.   “The courthouse continues with its daily operations utilizing technology and innovative ideas to still provide access to justice in the General Division.” concluded Corrigall Jones.

Citizens with questions regarding a particular case or department should contact:

###

Contact:         Susan Sweeney, Assistant Court Executive Officer

330.643.7840 – ssweeney@cpcourt.summitoh.net