ARCH Court

The mission of the Akron Municipal ARCH (Active Recovery Creates Hope) Court is to enhance public safety through intensive supervision and treatment for repeat OVI (Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated) offenders. In addition to regular appearances before the ARCH Court Judge, the program will ensure compliance by providing individualized treatment planning, frequent drug and alcohol testing, and implementation of graduated sanctions and rewards. ARCH Court is led by Judge Nicole Walker.

The ARCH Court Model

The ARCH Court is not a diversion program; however, it models itself after the highly successful drug court concept that has shown considerable success in rehabilitating offenders with drug and alcohol addictions as well as reducing recidivism. The specialized docket is intended to supervise second- and third-time OVI offenders in the community and help impact the jail population by reducing long-term sentences. The ARCH Court is a post-plea, voluntary program that allows defendants to work toward abstinence from alcohol and drugs thereby reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

Fostering Community Partners

The ARCH Court model, like Drug Court, fosters partnerships with local community-based agencies to provide alternatives to traditional court practices. Participants gain more personal freedom as they progress through the program and are acknowledged for positive changes in their lives. ARCH Court participants are encouraged to maintain personal responsibility with treatment, compliance with Court orders, and abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

Judge Nicole Walker

ARCH Court Logo

ARCH Court Eligibility Requirements

• Second or third OVI conviction in ten years
• Summit County residency
• Desire to change behavior
• Willingness to complete a treatment program and participate in a self-help or recovery group
• Limited, nonviolent criminal history
• Reliable transportation

ARCH Court Program Model

• Regular ARCH Court appearances
• Intensive Probation Supervision (weekly appointments)
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Participation and completion of treatment programming
• Participation in a self-help or recovery group
• Graduated sanctions for non-compliance
• Incentives and rewards for compliance

ARCH Court Program Goals

• Enhance public safety
• Reduce jail overcrowding
• Establish and/or maintain gainful employment for participants
• Assist participants in obtaining a valid driver's license
• Maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol
• Reduce recidivism