The Court

Judge Costello is the only municipal court judge in Cleveland Heights.  The Cleveland Heights Municipal Court has jurisdiction within the corporate limits of Cleveland Heights.  The subject-matter jurisdiction of the Court, that is, the types of cases that the Court can hear, includes preliminary hearings in felony cases, traffic and criminal misdemeanors, civil cases in which the amount of money in dispute does not exceed $15,000, and small claims cases in which the amount of money in dispute does not exceed $6,000.  Judge Costello also has the authority to perform marriages.

Since taking the bench, Judge Costello has implemented several improvements to allow the Court to operate more efficiently and effectively.  Some of those improvements are as follows:

More Equity at the Court

  • A revised updated bond schedule provides a presumption of release for non-violent offenders.

  • A partnership with the Cleveland Municipal Court allows our Court to provide Mental Health, Drug, and Veterans Specialized Courts.

  • A warrant amnesty day allowed nearly 200 individuals to address their outstanding warrants.

  • Settling over 90% of evictions to help stabilize the rental market and reduce unnecessary displacement.

  • A driving under suspension restatement docket assists people in becoming valid, insured drivers.

  • A transparent ability-to-pay docket allows individual reasonable payment plans on outstanding balances.

Housing Code Violations

  • A problem-solving court emphasizes bringing properties into code compliance.

  • Each case is personally heard by and addressed by Judge Costello.

  • A diversion program allows owner-occupiers to access resources to bring their home into compliance.

  • An online search allows the public to find cases by property address for greater transparency.

Technology Updates

  • A fully updated website update provides a user-friendly online docket, electronic payments, and electronic filing.

  • The Court is nearly paperless, which delivers greater efficiency and reduces our environmental impact.

  • Text notifications are sent to defendants to remind them of upcoming court hearings.

  • Jail cases are heard daily and done virtually for greater efficiency and safety.

Budget

  • The Court came in under budget each year.

  • Grants, written personally by Judge Costello, totaling over $211,000, were awarded.

  • We are consistently one of the busiest courts in Cuyahoga County and Ohio.

  • Although not a revenue center, the Court collected and distributed fines and costs to the City’s general fund each year over the Court’s general fund expenses.

Covid-19

  • The Court continued its operations throughout the pandemic, serving the purpose of administering justice without delay.