Judge Gary L. Willen has served as Judge of the Carroll County Municipal Court since January 2010. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and received his law degree from the University of Akron. The Ohio Supreme Court has commended Judge Willen for implementing many positive changes in his time since taking the bench. His court sentencing practices include not only fines and incarceration but also the use of GPS electronically monitored house arrest, alcohol monitoring devices, mandatory alcohol and drug treatment and community service.

Technology upgrades, acquired through grants and court costs, include a website, online case record searches and online fine payments. A video arraignment system has also been installed to assist the Sheriff and the Court for security purposes and ensure that cases are handled expeditiously.

Prior to taking the bench Judge Willen was in private practice for thirty years. During this time he also served as Minerva’s Law Director, Assistant County Prosecutor and Assistant County Public Defender.

Judge Willen and his wife Syndy reside in Carrollton. They have three children and two grandchildren.
See ORC 1901.13 Powers of the Court

Criminal
The criminal division is responsible for criminal cases where the possible penalty is up to six months incarceration and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. Often times felony cases commence in Municipal Court prior to presentation to the grand jury.

Traffic
The traffic division is responsible for processing of all misdemeanor traffic offenses with a fine, community service, and possible incarceration depending on the charge.

Civil
The jurisdiction of these cases are those which the amount of money in dispute does not exceed $15,000.00. Complaints involving landlord tenant disputes, evictions, rent escrow, garnishments, and appeals to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles are also filed in the court.

Small Claims
The clerk’s office provides forms to citizens for the filing of small claims which is less than $6,000.
The Clerk of Court’s office processes criminal complaints, uniform traffic citations, initiates and maintains each case file, issues summonses/warrants; provides bail bond information, processes posting of bond. The office collects and distributes fines and restitution.

Operating Hours
The Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The office will be closed on legal holidays.