Summit County Court of Common Pleas - Ohio

08/11/2026

Pursuant to Akron Municipal Court's local court rules, the open enrollment period for attorneys wishing to apply for the Misdemeanor Criminal Appointed Counsel List is twice per year.

If you submitted an application in the past year and were approved, you do not need to reapply.

Please note this application is for appointments in the Barberton Municipal Court and the Stow Municipal Court as well.

If you wish to apply, please fill out the online application and e-mail it to [email protected] by Friday, August 28, 2026.

The online application, along with more information, can be found here: https://akronmunicipalcourt.org/news/apply-for-the-misdemeanor-criminal-appointed-counsel-list-by-august-28-2026/

📷: A graphic featuring Lady Justice

08/11/2026

You be the judge! A new interactive game lets students step into the robe and assess the case just as Ohio judges do at every level of the courts.
Find out more 👩‍⚖️ https://bit.ly/4bB768U

08/10/2026

Our August Pro Bono was another success!

Thank you to all of the volunteer attorneys and our community partners who showed up with resources. We are making impact!

If you know anyone who needs FREE legal assistance with child support, child custody visitations, debt collection, driver license suspension, housing/evictions/foreclosures or garnishment, please tell them to register for the NEXT Pro Bono session on October 2nd.
https://info.communitylegalaid.org/scpbc

08/09/2026

Check out this video from Akron Hip Hop.Com capturing our America 250-Ohio Open House held on this past Thursday, August 6th. It was a huge success, and we are thankful to everyone who stopped by to meet our Judges, participate in our scavenger hunt, to meet our wonderful staff and to see the beautiful century old architecture and art displayed throughout the courthouse.

Our planning committee did an outstanding job with designing this event in a way where our community could develop a better understanding of the historical role of justice in our government. Thank you for that!

More pics to come!

08/06/2026

Good Morning!

This is a gentle reminder that our Court’s Open House is TODAY from 4 to 6pm.

This event is part of the broader America 250-Ohio civic and educational activity occurring among Ohio courts this year. The goal is to acknowledge our nations failures, recognize its progress and confront the work that remains unfinished.

To that end, supporting Judges of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas invite you to join us TODAY as we celebrate, educate, create a dialogue, and help the public obtain a greater understanding of the role of justice in our government.

Doors will open at 3:30pm and the Opening Ceremony with remarks from local dignitaries begins at 4:05pm.

Tours showcasing art and our century-old architecture, a scavenger hunt through our courtrooms with door prizes, and activities for kids will follow. The event will climax with a Q&A session with Judges.

FREE parking is available in the Summit County Deck.

We are excited and are looking forward to seeing you there!

08/04/2026

Just two days before our America 250-Ohio Open House. We are so excited about this historical event and will open our doors to the public at 3:30pm on this Thursday, August 6th. The ceremony kicks off at 4:05pm. Refreshments, tours, a scavenger hunt w/commemorative and patriotic door prizes for winners, activities for the kids and a Q&A Session with Common Pleas Judges.

07/26/2026

Thank you to Hiram Akeem of Akron Hip Hop.Com for this wonderful production of our Judges. We invite you to attend our Open House celebrating America’s 250th anniversary on Thursday, August 6th from 4 to 6pm. Refreshments, a scavenger hunt, guided art and historical tours will be available, as well as, interactions with our Judges. We are excited to welcome everyone. Please share this to your page.

07/22/2026

Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision (PPPS) Week for 2026 runs from July 19–25. This year’s theme is "Connected for Change: Building Bridges in Supervision," which highlights the collaboration and mentorship needed to promote rehabilitation and public safety.

The observance—established by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) in 1999—celebrates community corrections professionals who work to safeguard society while guiding individuals toward lasting change.

Yesterday, Director of Offender Services Kerri A. Defibaugh recognized all members of our community corrections staff for their dedication and service and shared this picture of Senior Probation Officers Lorri Dunn, Mike Mims, Sandi Albright, Richard Gallo, and Ed Obryant, along with Probation Officers Laurie Frank, Jake Sims, and Ron Winphrie who gathered for a photo with an honorary proclamation from Summit County Executive's Office (Ilene Shapiro), officially recognizing this week as Probation Officers Week.

Kerri and her leadership team have acknowledged the hard work and dedication of our community corrections staff by hosting breakfast and lunch for their department all week. Additionally, our Judges thanked everyone for their hard work, commitment, and positive impact on our community and have allowed the staff to dress down this week!

Shout out to everyone across the nation who works in any capacity to safeguard their respective communities and guide individuals toward positive change.

07/10/2026