WARREN — Warren Municipal Court inaugurated a new night court initiative on Tuesday to support individuals unable to attend regular court sessions because of work or family commitments.

Judge Patty Leopardi Knepp introduced the pilot program, which will operate 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, rotating monthly between her courtroom and that of Judge Natasha K. Natale.

“This whole idea is a work in progress,” Knepp said, noting the court has started adapting to the needs of the community by accommodating requests for sessions at different times, including those from local jails. The aim is to ensure these sessions are accessible when people need them.

The pilot, scheduled to run over a six-month period, will evaluate the types of cases suitable for evening court and consider necessary adjustments in scheduling. Designed to assist those with daytime constraints, the program will initially handle all cases during day sessions before potentially broadening to include arraignments during evening hours.

The jurisdiction of Warren Municipal Court, which encompasses Warren city and several townships, collaborates with four local police departments and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.