News

Akron Municipal Court Judge Jon Oldham is now leading the Court’s specialized docket that increases public safety and supports recovery and treatment for repeat Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVI) offenders. Judge Nicole Walker presided over this specialized docket from 2020 until earlier this year.

Specialized dockets are courts that are dedicated to specific types of offenses or offenders and use a combination of different techniques for holding offenders accountable while also addressing the underlying causes of their behavior. These are certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio. The requirements to enroll in this specific specialized docket include receiving a second or third OVI conviction in ten years and a willingness to participate in active recovery.

This program, formerly known as Active Recovery Creates Hope (ARCH) Court, will now be known as OVI Court.

Judge Oldham also leads Akron Recovery Court and has done so since 2016. Akron Recovery Court is also a specialized docket for substance abuse offenders who have the opportunity to have their charges dismissed once they successfully meet all the demands of the program, including treatment, aftercare, sobriety, case management and drug-free status.

“I am passionate about helping individuals along their journey to lifelong recovery,” said Judge Oldham. “Substance abuse is a treatable disease and our community has a wealth of resources available to our program. My team and I ensure the environment we provide is positive, uplifting and of course, full of hope.”

Statistics prove the positive impact that Recovery Court and OVI Court has on our community.

In 2020, Akron Recovery Court’s retention rate was 75%. From its beginning in May 1995, through the present date, more than 1,000 people successfully completed the Akron Recovery Court program.

In addition to Recovery Court and OVI Court, the Akron Municipal Court has four additional specialized dockets: Mental Health Court led by Judge Annalisa S. Williams, Valor Court led by Judge Jerry Larson, Family Intervention Court led by Judge Ron Cable and Restore Individual Self-Empowerment (RISE) Court. Each specialized docket holds sessions 2-4 times per month.

Judge Jon Oldham was first elected to the bench in 2015.

Both Recovery Court and OVI Court meet on most Thursday mornings.

September is National Recovery Month and 2025 marks the 25^th anniversary of Akron Recovery Court. Events surrounding National Recovery Month and Akron Recovery Court’s anniversary are in the planning stages and will be announced soon.

More information about OVI Court’s eligibility, its model and its goals can be found by visiting https://www.akronmunicipalcourt.org/programs/specialized-dockets/arch-court/.

Judge Jon Oldham