Jan 1, 2021
The Cleveland County Courthouse experienced a decrease in the total number of cases conducted in 2020 in a shift most likely related to COVID-19, according to District Judge Thad Balkman.
According to statistics gathered by Balkman, the total number of cases judges saw in 2020 was 23,116. Compared to 28,259 cases in 2019, thatâs a difference of 5,143, or 18.2%.
Small claims were down 39.4% from 6,699 to 4,061; protective orders were down 11.1% from 883 to 785; and guardianships were down 14.4% from 396 to 339.
Additionally, the statistics showed about 100 fewer felony filings and about 1,000 fewer misdemeanors filed in 2020 compared to 2019. However, domestic violence crimes increased from 500 to 1,000, or a 100% increase.
Balkman said due to administrative and Supreme Court orders and directives, the courthouse was allowed to stay open during the pandemic with precautions in place, including docketing changes to minimize the number of people in a courtroom at o