Law

Duties

The Law Department functions as the "law firm" advising elected and appointed officials such as the Mayor, Council, Administrative Directors, and Boards / Commissions. It also prosecutes all criminal matters that occur in the City, working with law enforcement officers to ensure that justice is done. The Department can be broken up into two categories: Civil and Criminal.

Civil

Prepare legislation requests, attend council meetings, special, committee and board meetings, prepare and negotiate contracts and agreements, represent the city in all litigation.

Criminal

The Prosecutor and Assistant Prosecutor handle all criminal matters that 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 and misdemeanor jury and non-jury trials handled in the City.

In the past ten years, due to major changes in the law, all cities have seen a tremendous increase in the number of misdemeanor cases, particularly 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 Law Department.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence and in need of support, please contact the Domestic Violence Center at 216-651-8484.

Restraining Orders

If you or someone you know is in need of protection, please contact the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas for a restraining order 216-443-8560.

Evictions

Please contact the Legal Aid Society for legal advice at 216-687-1900.

For questions regarding how to file and what forms to use, please contact Garfield Heights Municipal Court at 216-475-4885 or visit their website.

Public Records Request

You can send an email to PublicRecordsRequest@garfieldhts.org or contact the City Department from which you are requesting the records. Make sure to clearly identify what record(s) you are seeking. All requests should be made during normal business hours. Fees may apply.

Need Legal Advice

If you are looking for an attorney or have legal questions, the Garfield Heights Law Department unfortunately cannot provide you with legal advice or legal assistance. Therefore, please contact either:

  • Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
    Phone: 216-687-1900
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (for referrals)
    Phone: 216-696-3525