Juvenile courts hear cases involving persons under 18 years of age who are charged with acts that would be crimes if committed by an adult. They also hear cases involving unruly, dependent, and neglected/abused children. Juvenile courts have jurisdiction in cases involving paternity, child abuse, nonsupport, contributing to the delinquency of minors, and the failure to send children to school.
Campaign Email address
info@justvotejones.com
Education
BA Psychology Summa Cum Laude; Juris Doctorate University of Akron
Training/Experience
Amy has been a lawyer for 25 years and dedicated the last 15 years to Summit County as a public servant. For over a decade beginning in 2012, Amy was elected in 2012 & 2018 as a Common Pleas Judge. She founded the Summit County Valor Veterans Court in 2013 and created the Summit Offender Recidivism Reduction Program in 2018 because Amy knows that community safety and restorative justice help Summit County thrive. Amy currently dedicates her time working as an Executive Liaison in Summit County to keep our community safe while enhancing services for those that need them most. Over the years, Amy has been trusted to serve as a leader of our courts and for our children. She is endorsed by law enforcement and trusted leaders in Summit County.
Previous public office
Summit County Common Pleas Court General Division 2012-2022
I have served our community for 25 years as a lawyer. I have both the legal background and administrative experience to lead the Summit County Juvenile Court. Prior to serving as a Common Pleas General Division Judge, I served as a Guardian for some of our most special community members, including children and neighbors who have been diagnosed with severe mental illness. Over the years, I have been nominated as a board member for a number of charities and non-profits in our area, specifically those that support those diagnosed with substance use disorder and mental health issues. I have experience in executive administration for behavioral health services and I currently work as an Executive Liaison in Summit County to keep our community safe, while enhancing services for those who need them most. I have been recognized with awards for my community service by the Ohio State Bar Association and by the Greater Akron Chamber here in Summit County.
Community safety is vital to our community and our neighborhoods. I have been a lawyer for 25 years and have worked in our Summit County government for the last 15 years, both as a Common Pleas Court General Division Judge and now as an Executive Liaison for the Summit County Sheriff and Executive. I have lived experience as a practicing lawyer prior to taking the bench, as an elected member of the judiciary and now as a community partner working in Summit County alongside law enforcement and our first responders.
Juvenile Court is responsible for making decisions that impact our neighbors and community members in the immediate moment and from a long- term perspective. My service on the General Division is demonstrates that the Adult Court has a different impact than the Juvenile Court Judge has on our system. Accountable justice in Juvenile Court will strengthen our community. My education, training and experience make me the best candidate for our children and families in this role.
My experience as a Judge and lawyer for 25 years has taught me firsthand the challenges courts face. Courts and Judges experience threats, budget cuts, and staffing shortages, while trying to make decisions that protect our community. As a Judge in the Common Pleas General Division for over 10 years, I presided over thousands of cases and witnessed first responders and community members face numerous stressful scenarios. Juvenile Court faces similar challenges while balancing rights of individual family members and children. I also think it is important for our safety forces and first responders to understand that the judiciary supports them, not only through our decisions but also through our willingness to collaborate and listen. I think public safety workers deserve consistency, fairness and strong partnerships. While judges don’t’ have a crystal ball, I do think that courts can hold individuals accountable while promoting healing and restoration.
There are a number of obstacles and barriers in the justice system, many of which need to be addressed at the federal and state levels. One of the challenges our local system faces is continued budget constraints, staffing shortages and cuts. Progress through collaboration and innovation can address these concerns now and into the future and are attainable here in Summit County because we have community partners willing to work together.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
