Page 9 - March April 24 CBA Report

typically healthier, sober, and able to hold stable employment.
Treatment terms vary by program.
CHANGE Court offenders typically have a conviction or arrest for loitering, soliciting or prostitution, and/or a history that involves these actions. It is an intensive program, taking on average 18 months to two years to complete. After completing the program, the court expunges all criminal misdemeanor convictions and may expunge felony convictions. Judge Janaya Trotter Bratton currently oversees CHANGE court.
Veterans Court is reserved for those who have served in the Armed Forces and now have criminal charges pending rooted in substance abuse or trauma related to their military service. Participation typically lasts one year. Successful completion of the program may result in reduction of charges or expungement. Judge Brad Greenberg currently oversees Veterans Court.
Mental Health Court participants have a diagnosed mental health condition for which medication and/or
counseling is required. The requirements for successful completion are tailored to each individual and typically require one year to complete. Successful completion may result in expunging of the charges. Due to the number of participants, there are two mental health dockets. Judge William Mallory and Judge Gwen Bender currently oversee Mental Health Court.
The Recovery Docket is the
newest program with Hamilton County Municipal Court. This docket is reserved for those “last chance” candidates; those with a lengthy history of prior offenses, unsuccessful prior attempts at sobriety, and typically unsuccessful attempts
at probation in the traditional format. The current convictions must be for first- or second-degree misdemeanors, although lower-level offenses may be included. This docket anticipates a one-year commitment for successful completion, but that can vary as needed. Expungement of the convictions is not automatic, but may occur if eligible. Judge Jackie Ginocchio currently oversees the Recovery Docket.
Learn about the Hamilton County Specialty Courts
March 7 | 12 – 2 p.m.
2.0 General Credit Hours (pending) Hamilton County Courthouse
Hear from judges from the Hamilton
County Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, who will discuss each of the specialty courts and dockets. The specialty court coordinators and directors will explain the eligibility criteria and instruct attorneys on how to qualify their clients.
For additional information about the Specialized Dockets, please refer to the Hamilton County Municipal Court website or contact the judges’ courtrooms associated with the programs.
Judge Bender has served as a Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge since 2017. She currently also presides over one of the municipal court mental health court dockets.
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THE REPORT | March/April 2024 | CincyBar.org
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