Number of Traffic, Misdemeanor and Felony Cases Up in 2010

From felonies to minor traffic offenses, Judge Patrick Carroll saw more cases in 2010 than he did the year before — a lot more.

The has released its summary of 2010 cases, and the results show an increase in just about every category.

Criminal misdemeanor cases increased by 266 cases — from 2,134 cases in 2009 to 2,400 in 2010. Those cases include theft, assault, domestic violence and some drug offenses.

have also been busier in 2010 writing tickets.

Traffic cases increased from 6,272 new cases in 2009 to 6,319 cases last year. Charges of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, increased from 207 cases in 2009 to 219 in 2010 — that includes both misdemeanor and felony O.V.I. cases. An OVI charge is elevated to a felony when the defendant has three or more convictions for O.V.I. within six years or five or more OVI convictions within twenty years from the time of arrest.

Felony charges filed in the Lakewood Municipal Court increased from 114 cases in 2009 to 147 cases in 2010. However, the jurisdiction for felony trials is Cuyahoga Coonty Common Pleas Court, so those cases are referred to that court.

Police Chief Timothy Malley said the increase of court cases is because of an increased police presence in the city.

 “Arrests were up last year,” he said. “It’s a combination of initiatives and having more policemen on the streets. We’ve brought more cases than we have in the past.”

“It’s about having more feet on the street.