Municipal Court

The mission of Youngstown Municipal Court is to ensure access to justice, and to serve our community by efficiently and respectfully resolving criminal, traffic, and civil cases in a fair and impartial manner.

Public Notices

No Public Notices at this time.

Judges & Magistrate

(Click on a Judge for their court information.)

Online Services

Public Case Access

Access Youngstown Municipal Court case records via CourtView .

Online Dispute Resolution

Visit the Online Dispute Resolution Platform .

How Online Dispute Resolution works

Online Dispute Resolution is a way for people to resolve disputes outside of court with the help of a neutral third party, called a mediator. The Court provides an online negotiation platform for parties that want to resolve a dispute privately. The mediator helps parties exchange information and proposals through negotiation. Mediation is private and the mediator can document a written agreement for the parties. Mediation can occur before a lawsuit is filed or while a lawsuit is pending with the Youngstown Municipal Court. You can invite another person to the Online Dispute Resolution platform if you and the other party have an email address. Participation in negotiation/mediation before or after a case is filed is optional for all parties.

For lawsuits filed in Youngstown Municipal Court, participating in Online Dispute Resolution does not change your court hearing date. All requests to change a scheduled hearing date must be made in writing, by filing a Motion for Continuance with the Clerk of Court, and be granted by the Magistrate. If a resolution is reached, the plaintiff may file a Motion to Dismiss with the Clerk of Court, and parties won’t have to appear in court.

Online Dispute Resolution is limited to Forcible Entry cases at this time. We intend to add Small Claims cases to this platform in the near future.

Please contact the Court at (330) 742-8770 if you have questions regarding Online Dispute Resolution. The Court cannot give legal advice but we will be happy to answer your procedural questions.

FYI

Criminal/Traffic Division

When the City or the State charges an adult with a crime or traffic offense in Youngstown, that case comes before the Municipal Court. The Court handles misdemeanor offenses (where the maximum penalty is generally up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine). It also handles initial appearances and preliminary hearings in felony cases. The Court does not hear cases involving persons under 18 years of age who are charged with acts that would be crimes if committed by an adult.

FAQ

View Questions

I was given a ticket for driving with a suspended license, what can I do?

Read Answer

As with all criminal and traffic cases, you are innocent until proven guilty. However, if you acknowledge you were in the wrong, the Court has a program that allows you to take steps to get valid and then return to Court and plea to amended charges that will not further hinder your ability to drive. You can find out the requirements to get your license reinstated by entering your personal information at the BMV website

. If you are interested in taking advantage of this program, you must appear at your initial court date.

If I cannot afford to pay all my fines and costs, can I go on a payment plan?

Read Answer

When you appear in court, you can request to be put on a payment or installment schedule.

How do I apply for a court appointed attorney?

Read Answer

If you have been charged with an offense where jail may be imposed, and you are unable to pay for an attorney, an attorney can be assigned to represent you. When you appear in court and request an attorney, the Court will determine if you are indigent and appoint you an attorney.

Do I have to have a lawyer?

Read Answer

You are constitutionally guaranteed the right to represent yourself in Court. You cannot, however, represent another person or business entity, unless you are an attorney.

Be advised that if you choose to represent yourself, you are responsible for the full knowledge of the law and will be expected to present yourself and the case within the rules established by the Court and the law. Staff in the Clerk’s office cannot give you legal advice, and the Judges and Magistrates cannot give you legal advice. If you have questions, you should consult an attorney.

If you have been charged with a crime for which the possible penalties include jail, and you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for a court appointed attorney.

I am scheduled for a pretrial, what does that mean?

Read Answer

A pretrial is the opportunity for your case to be discussed with the prosecutor representing the community that has filed the case against you. It may also include the involvement of either the judge assigned to the case or a magistrate. These are scheduled by the Court, and you will receive notice of the date and time of that pretrial. If you are represented by an attorney, the attorney can explain to you the pretrial process. If you are not represented by an attorney then the prosecutor will discuss the case with you to see if the case can be resolved prior to a trial. Pretrial discussions may include a plea bargain, in which the prosecutor may purpose a resolution of the case prior to trial with some form of a plea resolution that may include being convicted of some cases and dismissing or amendment of the charges. If a plea bargain is agreed upon, then the case is referred to the Judge or Magistrate for disposition. If an acceptable plea bargain cannot be negotiated, or the case cannot otherwise be resolved, the case will then be scheduled for trial.

I missed my court date and a warrant has been issued for my arrest- what should I do now?

Read Answer

If you are represented by an attorney, he or she should be contacted immediately to discuss your options. If you are not represented by counsel, you should call (330) 742-8860, immediately.

My relative/friend was arrested and I posted a bond for his/her release. When will I get my money back?

Read Answer

First, you should be aware that the purpose of any bond is to guarantee that the defendant will make all scheduled court appearances. If the defendant fails to appear at court appearances, you may not get the bond money back. The return of your bond money depends on what type of bond you posted, and when the case is concluded. If you posted a surety bond by using a bail bondsman, you will not get that money back. If you posted a cash bond with the court, your money will be returned at the absolute end of the case, if the defendant made all court appearances. You will need to present your receipt to the Clerk of Court after the defendant is sentenced and any other outstanding costs have been paid.

How many points will be assessed to my license for a traffic violation?

Read Answer

Most moving traffic violations carry a penalty of two (2) points. Moving violations include such offenses as speeding, running a red light, improper lane change, and improper turn. Some violations carry a higher point potential. These include driving under the influence of alcohol and/or, driving under suspension, reckless operation, and drag racing. These violations can carry anywhere from four (4) to six (6) points. Non-moving violations such as equipment, and seat belts usually are considered zero (0) point violations.

You may be able to avoid the addition of points to your license. See the Traffic Safety Program for more information.

Specialty Courts & Dockets

Veterans Treatment Court

The Veterans Court is a drug and mental health treatment court, created to provide judicially-monitored treatment to military veterans who find themselves in Court and are struggling with substance abuse addiction or mental health disorders. The Court’s objective is to provide veterans with treatment services and/or academic and vocational skills advancement, through a collaboration of community service agencies. Eligible participants are veterans who have been charged with nonviolent offenses and have received a clinical diagnosis of drug or alcohol dependency, mental health disease, traumatic brain injury, or related disorders.

Suspended License Intervention Program (SLIP)

SLIP Court benefits those who otherwise would not be able to recover from a cycle of continuing license suspensions, by helping defendants understand why suspensions occur and how valid licenses can be obtained. SLIP Court personnel work directly with individuals, by contacting the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and other agencies on the defendant’s behalf, to inquire about the problems and help clear the suspensions. The goal is to restore defendants’ driving privileges.

Drug Court

The Youngstown Municipal Court Drug Court earned final certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets on 11/18/20. Judge Carla J. Baldwin currently presides over this docket. The target population of the program includes offenders who have been charged with criminal offenses and the court has reason to believe that drug and/or alcohol usage was a contributing factor leading to their criminal behavior. The objective of the program is to address the offender’s substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders through comprehensive assessment and implementation of a treatment plan. Upon successfully completing the program requirements, participants are eligible have their charges reduced or dismissed. Participants who fail to comply with the program requirements are transferred to the court’s general docket.

GRACE (Growth Restored through Acceptance, Change, and Empowerment)

The Youngstown Municipal Court Growth Restored through Acceptance, Change, and Empowerment (GRACE) program earned final certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets on 3/3/2021 to identify and aid victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Judge Renee M. DiSalvo currently presides over this docket. The target population of the program are individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorders, major depression, other mental disorders, drug or alcohol dependency, and/or co-occurring disorders and have been charged with misdemeanor prostitution, soliciting, loitering to solicit, or other offenses where human trafficking is present. The objective of the program is to address the offender’s substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders through comprehensive assessment and implementation of a treatment plan. Upon successfully completing the program requirements, participants are eligible to have their charges reduced or dismissed. Participants who fail to comply with the program requirements are transferred to the court’s general docket.

Traffic Safety Program

You can avoid points on your license with the Traffic Safety Program!

If you complete the Traffic Safety Program (TSP), your case will be dismissed. This means you won’t get points on your license. Too many points means your license can be suspended, and having any points at all may cause your insurance rates to go up.

You are eligible for the Traffic Safety Program if:

You are charged solely with minor misdemeanor traffic violation(s),
You have not completed the Youngstown Municipal Court’s Traffic Safety Program within the past four years,
You do not have a Commercial Driver License (CDL), and
You can provide proof of auto liability insurance covering the date you received the traffic ticket.

How to participate in the Traffic Safety Program?

A person interested in participating in the Traffic Safety Program will meet with a Youngstown Municipal Court representative at their first court appearance.
Complete the Traffic Safety Program application.
Participants must pay the waiver amounts of fines, costs, and a $20 application fee to the Youngstown Municipal Clerk of Court within 30 days from making an application.
Go to SafeDriverOnline.com and register for the online course. It costs $24.95 and takes about two hours to complete. You can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can do the program all at once, or come back and pick up where you left off.
Complete the course within 60 days of your scheduled court date. When you finish the program, Safe Driver Online will electronically notify the Youngstown Municipal Court that you have completed the program.

Program Details

When you finish the program, Safe Driver Online will electronically notify the Youngstown Municipal Court that you have completed the program.
If you apply for the TSP, you will not be entitled to any refund of money paid to the Youngstown Municipal Court or to Safe Driver Online.
If you apply for the TSP but don’t register at SafeDriverOnline.com , or if you don’t complete it by the deadline, the Court will send a record of your guilty or no-contest plea to the Ohio BMV. At that time, the Ohio BMV will most likely put points on your license.
Questions about the program? Check out the FAQ at SafeDriverOnline.com . You can also contact Safe Driver Online at 888.372.SAFE (7233), or by email: support@safedriveronline.com.

Traffic Safety Program flyer (PDF)

Probation

The Probation Department provides services to the court that include:

conducting competency evaluations
making referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment
Suspended License Intervention Program
conducting pre-sentence investigations
monitoring probationers, Electronic House Arrest orders, and community service.

Through an agreement with Community Corrections Association Inc., the Court is referring eligible defendants to house arrest rather than imposing jail time, resulting in a savings to the city of more than $1 million when compared to the cost of incarceration.

Municipal Court - Probation

Youngstown Municipal Courthouse, 3rd Floor

9 West Front Street

Youngstown, OH 44503

Map

Office Phone: (330) 742-8848

Fax: (330) 742-8845

Email: mvath@youngstownohio.gov

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Administration

Court Administrator

The court administrator is responsible for supervision of all non-judicial functions of the Court including personnel, payroll, human resources, communications, and budget management. The administrator also coordinates operations of all Court departments, oversees security issues, and reports to the Administrative/Presiding Judge.

Municipal Court - Court Administrator

Youngstown Municipal Courthouse, 3rd Floor

9 West Front Street

Youngstown, OH 44503

Map

Office Phone: (330) 742-8843

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: dmagura@youngstownohio.gov

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Assignment Office

The Assignment Office schedules civil, criminal, and traffic cases, and manages case flow in compliance with Ohio Supreme Court Rules of Superintendence.

Municipal Court - Assignment Office

Youngstown Municipal Courthouse, 3rd Floor

9 West Front Street

Youngstown, OH 44503

Map

Office Phone: (330) 742-8770

Fax: (330) 742-8821

Email: afrederick@youngstownohio.gov

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Service Bailiffs & Jury Management

Service bailiffs serve subpoenas, eviction notices, and other documents, as well as enforce evictions and other court orders. The chief bailiff supervises the office and oversees jury management duties.

Municipal Court - Service Bailiffs & Jury Management

Youngstown Municipal Courthouse, 3rd Floor

9 West Front Street

Youngstown, OH 44503

Map

Office Phone: (330) 742-8832

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: gwilliams@youngstownohio.gov

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Forms & Documents

Court History

Background

The Youngstown Municipal Court Act went into effect on January 1, 1914 and made provisions for two judges. In 1929, the Act was amended and provisions were made for a court consisting of three judges. The criminal division was housed in the police station and the civil in the old town hall on West Federal Street. Due to population decline, upon the retirement of Judge Robert A. Douglas, Jr. in 2012, the court reverted to two judges. In 2018, the court moved into newly-renovated facilities in the City Hall Annex building at 9 West Front Street.

Youngstown Municipal Judges

Anthony B. Calvin, 1904-1910
Herman Brandmiller, 1910-1922
Michael B. Welsh, 1914-1917
George H. Gessner, 1917-1923
Joseph Hefferman, 1923-1927
Thomas Jenkins, 1921-1928
Peter B. Mulholland, 1927-1947
Mark Moore, 1929-1933
Harry C. Hoffman, 1927-1941
Henry Beckenbauch, 1933-1937
John J. Buckley, 1937-1949
William A. Mason, 1944-1945
Robert Nevin, 1940-1959
Frank Anzelloti, 1946-1951
John Powers, 1949-1953 (was appointed 1937 until the next election a year later)
Forrest Cavalier, 1953-1959
Don Hanni, 1959-1965
Martin P. Joyce, 1959-1971
John Leskovansky, 1961-1973
Joseph Donofrio, 1965-1972
Leo Morley, 1969-1989
Nicholas Manos, 1969-1971
Lloyd Haynes, 1972-1990
Frank Kryzan, 1973-1987
Louis Levy, 1985-1997
Andrew Polovischak, 1989-2000
Patrick Kerrigan, 1989-1998
Robert Douglas, Jr., 1997-2012
Robert P. Milich, 1998-2018
Elizabeth Kobly, 2000-2018
Carla J. Baldwin, 2018-present
Renee M. DiSalvo, 2018-present

Contact

Divisions

View Alphabetical List

Municipal Court - Assignment Office

Youngstown Municipal Courthouse, 3rd Floor

9 West Front Street

Youngstown, OH 44503

Map

Office Phone: (330) 742-8770

Fax: (330) 742-8821

Email: afrederick@youngstownohio.gov

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Municipal Court - Court Administrator

Youngstown Municipal Courthouse, 3rd Floor

9 West Front Street

Youngstown, OH 44503

Map

Office Phone: (330) 742-8843

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: dmagura@youngstownohio.gov

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Municipal Court - Probation

Youngstown Municipal Courthouse, 3rd Floor

9 West Front Street

Youngstown, OH 44503

Map

Office Phone: (330) 742-8848

Fax: (330) 742-8845

Email: mvath@youngstownohio.gov

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Municipal Court - Service Bailiffs & Jury Management

Youngstown Municipal Courthouse, 3rd Floor

9 West Front Street

Youngstown, OH 44503

Map

Office Phone: (330) 742-8832

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: gwilliams@youngstownohio.gov

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Staff

View Alphabetical List

Boyd, Keith

Service Bailiff

Municipal Court, Service Bailiffs - Jury Management

Phone: (330) 742-8295

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: kboyd@youngstownohio.gov

Carson, Doreene

Secretary

Municipal Court, Presiding Judge Carla J. Baldwin

Phone: (330) 742-8855

Fax: (330) 742-8716

Email: dcarson@youngstownohio.gov

Dawson, Aretha

Victim Advocate

Municipal Court, Probation

Phone: (330) 742-8848

Email: adawson@youngstownohio.gov

Denney, Lou

Pretrial Services Officer

Municipal Court, Probation

Phone: (330) 742-8851

Email: ldenney@youngstownohio.gov

Frederick, Angela

Assignment Commissioner

Municipal Court, Assignment Office

Phone: (330) 742-8770

Fax: (330) 742-8821

Email: afrederick@youngstownohio.gov

Gatrell, Tabitha

Probation Officer

Municipal Court, Probation

Phone: (330) 742-8881

Email: tgatrell@youngstownohio.gov

Jones, Valerie

Bailiff-Secretary

Municipal Court, Magistrate Anthony Sertick, Jr.

Phone: (330) 742-8857

Fax: (330) 742-8725

Email: vjones@youngstownohio.gov

Lewis, Sherry

Probation Officer

Municipal Court, Probation

Phone: (330) 742-8885

Email: slewis@youngstownohio.gov

Magura, David

Court Administrator

Municipal Court, Probation

Phone: (330) 742-8843

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: dmagura@youngstownohio.gov

Maiorca, Wendy

Probation Officer

Municipal Court, Probation

Phone: (330) 742-8825

Email: wmaiorca@youngstownohio.gov

Marquez, Christina

Bailiff

Municipal Court, Judge Renee DiSalvo

Phone: (330) 742-8226

Fax: (330) 742-8723

Email: cmarquez@youngstownohio.gov

Scott, Thais

Administrative Assistant

Municipal Court, Court Administrator

Phone: (330) 742-8824

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: tscott@youngstownohio.gov

Testa, Nancy

Assignment Clerk

Municipal Court, Assignment Office

Phone: (330) 742-8767

Fax: (330) 742-8821

Email: ntesta@youngstownohio.gov

Valentin, Lindsey

Secretary

Municipal Court, Judge Renee DiSalvo

Phone: (330) 742-8853

Fax: (330) 742-8723

Email: lvalentin@youngstownohio.gov

Vath, Melinda

Chief of Probation

Municipal Court, Probation

Phone: (330) 742-8849

Email: mvath@youngstownohio.gov

Wagner, Rachel

Bailiff

Municipal Court, Presiding Judge Carla J. Baldwin

Phone: (330) 742-8288

Fax: (330) 742-8716

Email: rwagner@youngstownohio.gov

Ward, Art

Service Bailiff

Municipal Court, Service Bailiffs - Jury Management

Phone: (330) 742-8293

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: award@youngstownohio.gov

Whitlow, Chauncey

Probation Officer

Municipal Court, Probation

Phone: (330) 742-8281

Email: cwhitlow@youngstownohio.gov

Williams, George

Chief Bailiff

Municipal Court, Service Bailiffs - Jury Management

Phone: (330) 742-8832

Fax: (330) 744-1768

Email: gwilliams@youngstownohio.gov

You are here

Municipal Court

Public Notices

Judges & Magistrate

Presiding Judge

Judge

Magistrate

Online Services

Public Case Access

Online Dispute Resolution

FYI

Criminal/Traffic Division

FAQ

I was given a ticket for driving with a suspended license, what can I do?

If I cannot afford to pay all my fines and costs, can I go on a payment plan?

How do I apply for a court appointed attorney?

Do I have to have a lawyer?

I am scheduled for a pretrial, what does that mean?

I missed my court date and a warrant has been issued for my arrest- what should I do now?

My relative/friend was arrested and I posted a bond for his/her release. When will I get my money back?

How many points will be assessed to my license for a traffic violation?

Specialty Courts & Dockets

Veterans Treatment Court

Suspended License Intervention Program (SLIP)

Drug Court

GRACE (Growth Restored through Acceptance, Change, and Empowerment)

Traffic Safety Program

You can avoid points on your license with the Traffic Safety Program!

You are eligible for the Traffic Safety Program if:

How to participate in the Traffic Safety Program?

Program Details

Probation

Administration

Court Administrator

Assignment Office

Service Bailiffs & Jury Management

Forms & Documents

Court History

Background

Youngstown Municipal Judges

Contact

Divisions

Staff