Judges

Judge Daniel D. Carey

Presiding and Administrative Judge 2025-2026
Term expires December 31, 2027
Judge Courtroom: #4

Judge Carey obtained his B.A. from Miami University in 1986, and his J.D., with distinction, from Ohio Northern University in 1990. He spent 18 years in private practice, 11 years prosecuting adult and juvenile cases, and also served as a hearing officer. Since joining the bench on January 1, 2022, Judge Carey has obtained Supreme Court certification for the operation of a DRUG Court docket. Together with a team of professionals in substance abuse treatment, mental health, rehabilitation, housing, education, and transportation, the DRUG Court assists participants in overcoming the barriers that cause and contain people in active use. Judge Carey also serves on the Ohio Judicial Conference Court Administration Committee.

Weddings

Judge Carey performs weddings on Fridays only at 11:30 AM.  Please ensure you have obtained your marriage license information from Probate Court and bring all paperwork with you to the wedding ceremony. There is no fee for the ceremony. Please contact Judge Carey’s Executive Assistant to schedule the wedding ceremony in advance.

Driving Privileges

For driving privileges, Judge Carey requires the following:

  • Proof of insurance
  • A letter from your employer stating location, days, and hours
  • Treatment location, days, and hours

Please Note: driving privileges are granted at the discretion of Judge Carey.

Judge Team Members

Bailiff
Kevin Mason 
937-328-3769

Executive Assistant
Mindi Vest 
937-328-3768

Probation Officer
Lisa Alexander
937-328-3793

Can I talk to a judge?
The judge is not permitted to discuss a pending case with any party or witness without all attorneys or unrepresented parties being present. This includes any written letters to the judge. These are considered ex-parte communications and violate the rules of judicial ethics.
What if I cannot make it to court?
It is the obligation of every party and subpoenaed witness to be present at court at the designated time. Failure to do so may result in a warrant for your arrest. If there is an unavoidable emergency that prevents your attendance, you should notify your attorney immediately and provide your attorney with documentation verifying the unavoidable emergency. Failure to do so may result in a warrant for your arrest.
What if I cannot reach my attorney about an emergency that prevents me from being at court?
You may call the judge’s office in this event. You will still need to contact your attorney and provide your attorney with documentation verifying the unavoidable emergency. Failure to do so may result in a warrant for your arrest.
What if I miss my court date?
You should report to the bailiff’s desk at the entrance to the Municipal Court building as soon as possible. Doing so reduces that chance that you will be held in jail. If you do not report to the courthouse, and are picked up on a warrant, it is likely that you will be held in jail.
Can I request driving privileges if I have an OVI?
You may request driving privileges. There are mandatory waiting periods that must pass. Also, there may be requirements specific to your case that must be addressed. Driving privileges are for limited purposes only, and will apply only to a suspension in the specific case. If you have multiple suspensions, privileges in one case do not permit you to drive without privileges for all suspensions
What documents do I need to request driving privileges?
The request must be in writing, include the case number on the request and file it with the Clerk of Courts. You must include a letter from your employer on employer letterhead stating the location of your employment and your work hours; proof of automobile insurance in your name that is paid through the period you are requesting privileges. The judge may require different or additional information, depending on the facts of the case.
How do I get married in the courthouse?
Contact each individual judge. You must contact probate court to find out how to get a marriage license.