For the past several years, the Warren Municipal Court, the city's law department, and the public defenders office have considered adding a night court to the community.

The first session began Tuesday, January 7 after months of planning. 21 News first reported Warren would implement night court in December of 2024.

"The whole idea of night court is to accommodate those that are truly in need of that session," explained Judge Patty Knepp to 21 News.

Warren Municipal Court Judge Knepp has noticed a growing need for a night court. After conducting her first session Tuesday, she told 21 News implementing night court will accommodate those who don't have the time or resources to attend court during regular hours.

"I can tell you there is a true need where some people just throw their hands up in the air and they don't come to court because they just can't miss work or they just have those other obligations," she explained. "So, a court's supposed to serve people and we're going to do it."

Judge Knepp will oversee night court every Tuesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the odd months of the year. Judge Natasha Natale will oversee night court every Tuesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the even months of the year. 

"A court serves people," Judge Knepp said. "Some people think that this is just a criminal court and it's not. It's a traffic court, it's a criminal court, and it's a civil court. If you don't make a court accessible to people, they're not going to be able to address those matters. So, yes, it's very important to add that session."

Night court is not a novel idea in the area. Communities like Austintown, Boardman, and Canfield have held night court for years.

"Night court is starting and it's going to continue," Judge Knepp said. "But it has to be a work in progress. We want to start it slow and want it to be precise."

Visit the Warren Municipal Court's website to learn more.