Toledo, OH – Today, the Lucas County Commissioners approved a new, integrated case management software system. The new software will allow the General, Juvenile, and Domestic divisions of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas to share information with the Clerk of Court on one network.

The new system will replace outdated software—Juvenile Court has had the same software system since 1993–and allow the courts to work together on cases as they move through different parts of the justice system. Stated Commissioner Carol Contrada, “An integrated case management system linking all the courts makes the administration of justice more efficient and the system more accessible to the public. It provides access to justice for all.”

Family Court Judge David Lewandowski believes that the integrated system will make county employees more efficient. “Our county employees will only need to know one system,” said Judge Lewandowski. Clerk of Court Bernie Quilter believes that the new system will be a major improvement for the courts. “We’re not going to be duplicating information anymore. All Courts will be sharing information,” said Clerk Quilter.

Lucas County plans to work with Ohio-based Courtview Justice Solutions to create the software. Lucas County will then be able to modify the programs whenever necessary to fit the needs of the criminal justice system. The new system will include electronic filing, which will allow court documents to be filed and stored digitally. “Docket information will now be easily accessible by the courts and the public, which will reduce delay and confusion,” said Juvenile Court Judge Connie Zemmelman.

The system will cost a total of $5.6 million, which will be paid over the next five years, and save Lucas County over $100,000 each year in maintenance costs. “It is less costly to our tax payers than maintaining the current systems,” said Common Pleas Judge Gene Zmuda. “But more than that, Lucas County looks to benefit from a cutting-edge system that will last for the next 20 to 30 years,” said Judge Zmuda.

For further information, please contact Lucas County Clerk of Court Bernie Quilter at 419-213-4405.