FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is my lawyer?

If you are indigent and accused of a felony, misdemeanor, juvenile delinquency, or are a parent in an abuse, neglect or dependency case and the Court appoints our office, will represent you.  Your attorney will be determined by the judge or magistrate that your case is assigned to, except for felony cases in Common Pleas Court and Abuse, Neglect and Dependency cases in Juvenile Court. Below is a list of courts and the attorneys who are assigned to them. You can always call our office at 330-434-3461 for more information.

Akron Municipal Court:

Barberton Municipal Court

Stow Municipal Court:

Summit County Common Pleas Court:

We have 3 attorneys who work in this area: C. Adam Carro, Madison Karn and John Stiles. Please call our office at 330.434.3461 if you need to contact your attorney and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Summit County Juvenile Court, Delinquency:

Attorney Bethany Shockey handles cases before Magistrates Crowe, Freeman & Walls-Alexander, as well as youth participating in the RESTORE court specialized docket.

Summit County Juvenile Court, Abuse, Neglect, Dependency:

Several of our attorneys work in this area, including Jill Cabe, Rachel Lipford, and Brittany Pellerin. Please call our office at 330.434.3461 if you need to contact your attorney and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Summit County Juvenile Court, Truancy:

This specialized docket focuses on truancy cases before the Court and is presided over by Magistrate Danielle Schantz. Attorneys Elia Burgos and Brittany Pellerin assist our clients with cases assigned to this docket.

When is my court date?

You should receive a court date at your arraignment, which is the first time you go in front of a judge to enter a “not guilty” plea. You can find your next court date on the court’s online docket below or by contacting your attorney. You can always call our office at 330-434-3461 for more information.

What is my court’s Zoom link?

If you are set to appear before the Court via Zoom, you will need to use your assigned Judge’s Zoom link. Please refer to the list below to locate your Judge’s Zoom link. If you have any questions or need assistance with logging into Zoom, please contact our office at 330-434-3461 and we will gladly assist you.

Summit County Common Pleas Court

Summit County Juvenile Court

What is the difference between a lawyer and a public defender?

There is no difference. All public defenders are lawyers licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio.

How should I dress for court?

You do not have to wear a suit or dress, but you should be dressed neatly. Please do not wear short shorts, halter or tank tops, or clothing with interesting sayings or graphic images. Hats are not permitted in court. If you are in a Zoom hearing, please have a shirt on, do not smoke during the hearing, and, if you are in the car, you must pull over and park. You can always call our office at 330-434-3461 for more information.

What does it mean to be indigent?

It means that you meet the income requirements for appointed counsel and do not have to hire your own lawyer.

Please fill out the indigency affidavit, sign it and provide it to your lawyer for your file.

What if I cannot attend my court date?

If you think you will not be able to attend your court date you must contact your attorney immediately. Your attorney may be able to ask the court to continue your hearing, but you cannot assume your attorney will be able to get a new court date. If you do not attend your hearing a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

How can I help my attorney with my case?

Never discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer or our office staff. 

Remember that your calls from jail or prison are recorded and the things you say may be used against you by the prosecutor.

Keep your attorney informed of your current address, email, and telephone number.

Provide your attorney with a list of potential witnesses, addresses, and telephone numbers as soon as possible. 

Vintage Downtown Barberton