Municipal DutiesDuties | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Law Dept. Employees | Garfield Heights Municipal Court | Codified Ordinances
The Law Department of the City of Garfield Heights operates as the "law firm" representing the elected and appointed civil servants and keeps watch over all municipal activity to ensure that all business of the City is conducted in a proper and legal way.
The duties of the Law Department can be broken up into two (2) separate categories--Civil and Criminal. Each of these categories will be briefly discussed below.
Municipal Duties
The Law Department writes all legislation and ordinances requested by the Mayor and members of City Council. Ordinances are laws that are adopted by a vote of the City Council. Once adopted, an ordinance is enforced by the Police Department or other departments within the City.
When the City workers are injured on the job, the Law Department oversees the process of the Worker's Compensation claim to ensure that valid claims for injured workers are quickly processed and families are not caused economic hardship. We also work to ensure that all injured employees are given the best care possible allowing them to return to work thereby increasing the efficiency of City departments.
Criminal Duties
Most people deal with the Law Department on criminal or traffic cases. The Prosecutor and Assistant Prosecutor handle all criminal matters which occur in the City, working with law enforcement officers to ensure that justice is done. Criminal matters include felony cases which are processed through the Garfield Heights Municipal Court for final disposition in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to misdemeanor jury and non-jury trials handled right here in our City. In the past ten (10) years due to major changes in the law, all cities have seen a tremendous increase in the number of misdemeanor cases especially driving while under the influence of alcohol and domestic violence. Thousands of cases pass through the Garfield Heights Municipal Court each year and all of them must be handled by the men and women of the Law Department.
If I have a legal question, whom do I call?
If your question involves the City of Garfield Heights, its laws and ordinances or the Garfield Heights Municipal Court, one of the lawyers for the Law Department will be happy to assist you. If your question relates to a private problem or dispute, you should contact private counsel.
If my neighbor is causing me problems, what can I do?
If one of the parties has broken the law, criminal charges will likely be warranted. If no infraction of the law occurred the parties are advised to obtain independent counsel.
My spouse abuses me. What can I do?
First, and foremost, call the police. The lawyers of the Law Department will follow up in appropriate cases with prosecution which may also include the obtaining of a Temporary Protection Order.
Can I have my property rezoned?
Contact the Law Department or the Building Department to start the lengthy process to have your realty rezoned. The procedure may take from six (6) months to a year depending on your timing. Each zoning change must be voted on by all the residents of Garfield Heights.
If I am injured on City property or a city street, what should I do?
Make a police report or make a report to the individual in charge of the facility in which you were injured Additionally, obtain (2) quotes that specify the amount of damages suffered.. Your claim will be processed through the Law Department and with our insurance carrier.
If I have a question about an ordinance, what should I do?
Call the Law Department. The secretary, one of our law clerks or a lawyer will try to assist you in finding an answer to your question.
If I have a question about a traffic ticket or citation I receive, whom do I
call?
You may call the Garfield Heights Police Department or ask the Judge to clarify your situation when you appear in the Garfield Heights Municipal Court.
If I witness a crime, whom do I call?
Call the Garfield Heights Police Department at once.
If I want to find out what legislation is coming up for a vote at the next
council meeting, how do I check?
All proposed legislation for the next Council meeting is posted at several commercial establishments around town, as well as the Civic Center and the Garfield Heights Library.
If I want a copy of a City document, how do I obtain it?
Visit the Law Department or the City department from which you are requesting the records. Make sure you clearly identify what record you are seeking. All requests should be made during normal business hours. A charge covering the City's costs will be made to you.
All of the attorneys who serve the City in the Law Department are always available for consultation. We strive to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
The easiest way to fight crime is for all residents to be the eyes and ears of the police force in your local neighborhood.