Christine Croce

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have served my community as a judge for over 8.5 years, both as municipal judge and as a common pleas judge. In 2011, I was elected as Judge in the Barberton Municipal Court and during my tenure I served as Presiding Judge. While serving the Barberton Municipal Court many changes were made at the Court in an effort to make the Court operate effectively and efficiently. The Court started a Community Service program along with a Suspended License Intervention Program and a Mental Health Court. The Court actively sought grant money to make changes and enhancements to the Court without the need to use taxpayer money.

In November 2013, I was appointed to the General Division of the Summit County Common Pleas Court and elected to a full 6 year term in November of 2014. I preside over adult felony criminal cases including death penalty cases, and complex civil cases. In December 2016 and 2017 I was elected by my peers to serve as Presiding Judge of the Summit County Courthouse. The Presiding Judge oversees and supervises the Petit Jury and Grand jury at each successive session of Court.

In August 2017, in addition to my daily duties, I began presiding over a felony drug court docket called Turning Point which is a specialty docket certified by the Ohio Supreme Court. This specialized docket serves the needs of high risk/high need offenders who suffer from the disease of addiction and helps them attain and maintain long-term sobriety through the use of a team approach so that they become productive members of our community.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My strong record of professional excellence, professional accomplishments, and broad legal and life experiences qualifies me to retain this position.

Since 1994, I have been fortunate to have held positions which have allowed me to fully develop my legal knowledge and experience. As an Akron Municipal Traffic Court Intern and an Assistant Summit County Prosecutor I prosecuted thousands of traffic and criminal cases where I gained valuable courtroom and trial experience. As police legal advisor, general counsel and executive director for the Sheriff’s Office I broadened my legal writing skills, and civil law knowledge. As Barberton Municipal Court Clerk I dealt on a daily basis with legal issues regarding the thousands of cases filed in the Barberton Municipal Court.

In all of these diverse positions I conducted myself in a professional and unbiased manner while treating others with respect. As Judge I continue to make legal rulings with that same respect for the law in order to enhance confidence in our legal system.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have been fortunate to have practiced law for over 26 years in various positions in addition to my current position as a one of ten Summit County Common Pleas Judges. My prior judicial experience, prosecutorial experience and administrative experience have permitted me to fully develop my legal knowledge and experience. In all of these positions I have conducted myself in a professional and unbiased manner while treating others with respect.

Each position I have held has required that I make difficult legal decisions and my decisions were always made with respect for the law and always with an overwhelming attention fairness. I will continue to make legal rulings with that same respect for the law in order to enhance confidence in our legal system.

I recognize a judge’s role in guiding the tone of any legal matter and I believe that the significance of a judge’s role remains a critical element in our system. I am also dedicated to my community and recognize the importance of a strong community that is reflected through our justice system. I am honored to continue to serve my community and my peers in such a position and believe that I have the personal and professional qualities to do so with integrity and fairness.