THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT TO ALL WHO TURNED OUT TO VOTE.
About Paul
As an Attorney
Paul has been an attorney since 1999 after graduating from Cleveland State University College of Law. Paul is licensed to practice before all Ohio State courts and the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio (Federal). When in private practice, he handled all his clients legal needs - from family matters of divorce, custody and support, wills and trusts, and business creation; to criminal and traffic matters; through their civil matters of landlord-tenant, civil suits, and bankruptcies. Paul acted as court appointed counsel for indigent clients in the Avon Lake and Elyria Municipal courts in additional to the Court of Common Pleas. Paul also acted as a Guardian ad Litem on behalf of the children of Lorain County.
Since 2013, Paul has been a judicial officer in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations/Juvenile Division. Paul hears cases consisting of Children Services, divorce/dissolution, custody, Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders, and child delinquency/traffic matters.
Paul is a Member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Association of Magistrates, and a past chairman of the Juvenile Law Section of the Lorain County Bar Association.
As a Service Member and Veteran
Paul joined the Marine Corps Reserves as a senior in high school and continued throughout college and law school. Paul left the Marines at the end of his contract with the rank of Corporal in 1999.
After a five year break in service to start his own law practice, Paul rejoined the military in the Ohio Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (JAG) officer where he still serves at the current rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Paul has deployed twice (Iraq and Kosovo) during his 25 years of service. In the National Guard, Paul has served as brigade trial counsel (military prosecutor), defense counsel, legal service attorney, and legal advisor to commanders and board proceedings. The photo is of Paul after providing legal seminars to the Hungarian Defense Forces in October 2022.
Family and Community
Paul has resided in Lorain County his entire life. Paul was raised in LaGrange and graduated from Keystone High School; attended undergraduate at Boston University; then returned to Ohio to attend Cleveland State University College of Law.
Paul and his wife were married in 2001 and purchased their current residence shortly after marrying. Paul and his family have been living in Avon since that time and have integrated into the community. Paul is a Father to four boys, a daughter-in- law, and their dog,
Paul has participated in the community from being a volunteer baseball and soccer coach, soccer referee, assisting in school orchestra events and fundraisers, and as a member of the VFW Post 7035 (he currently services as the Junior Vice Commander) and American Legion Post 211. The Kocsis family currently attend worship services at Hope Christian Church in Avon.
Why are you running for Judge? Paul's Answer
Access for All
With Judge Bilancini’s retirement leaving the seat open, I think it is important for the voters to choose someone who will continue the improvements being made. With my ten years as a judicial officer in the common pleas court, I realize how frustrating the system currently is for people without attorneys. Most citizens don’t hire attorneys for speeding tickets, small claims matters and a host of other court hearings that take place at the municipal court level.
There is a lack of information readily available to help prepare individuals with what to expect when they are at court and how to be prepared for their court date. When they show up to court without understanding the process or incorrect expectations, it leads to 1) continuances - aka more missed work – and 2) frustration in that there was no information for them to read before coming to court to be ready to present their case. These delays stop matters from being concluded timely, increases the costs, and causes some to give up on the process.
I want the court process to be understood by the community and not just the attorneys. I want the court process to be transparent to show the community that matters are being handled promptly and fairly. I want people knowing what to expect and how to be prepared before coming to court whether they have an attorney or are representing themselves.
Given my experience in talking to litigants during my court hearings, and previously as an attorney in dealing with clients’ questions before court proceedings, as the new judge I will be able to make changes that will improve the process for everyone before the court. By putting out more information that is accessible to the community about the court system and process, everyone will benefit from a quicker and better experience. I ask for your vote to be the next Avon Lake Municipal Court Judge in order to make this happen for the community.
Access for All.
Primary on May 2, 2023.
Early Voting starts April 4th.
About the Avon Lake Municipal Court
The Avon Lake Municipal Court serves Avon, Avon Lake, and Sheffield Village, and is located at 32855 Walker Road, Avon Lake, Ohio.
Municipal courts are established under Title 19 of the Ohio Revised Code. There are five municipal courts in Lorain County.
The municipal court generally handles vehicle/traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, municipal ordinances, forcible entry and detainer (evictions), civil suits under $15,000.00, small claims actions (matters under $3,000.00), and garnishments (collections). The municipal court also conducts preliminary hearings on felony criminal cases prior to transfer to the common pleas court.
website: www.avonlakecourt.com
