About the Court
The General Division currently employs 2 Judges, 1 Magistrate / Court Administrator, 2 staff attorneys / bailiffs, 3 assignment commissioners, 1 judicial assistant, and 1 Court Services Coordinator. The Court also oversees the Adult Community Control Department.
Two Judges preside over the General Division of the Common Pleas Court. Judge Richard E. Berens and Judge David A. Trimmer were each elected by the citizens of Fairfield County to administer justice and oversee the functions of the Court.
The Judges have also appointed one Magistrate, who has authority to preside over certain proceedings such as arraignments, probable cause hearings, garnishments, pretrials, and civil stalking protection order cases. Magistrate Joshua Horacek also serves as the Court Administrator.
The Court Administrator's principal role is to facilitate the administrative functions of the Court - implementing process changes, overseeing the Court's annual budget, and managing long-term projects.
Court Staff & Contacts