Court News Ohio, Attorney Appointed Tuscarawas County Judge

Times Reporter, James J. Ong appointed judge of Tuscarawas County Court/Southern District

James holds a bachelor's degree from Hiram College and a law degree from the University of Akron School of Law. He lives in Dennison. 

James works as a partner at the law firm of Connolly, Hillyer, and Ong. He previously served as the law director for Uhrichsville and the village solicitor for Dennison and Tuscarawas. 

James J. Ong currently serves as the Tuscarawas County Court Judge. He was appointed to this position in 2023. He previously served as an acting judge for the Tuscarawas County Court. 

As of August 7, 2024, James J Ong did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Ethics & Conduct

As a county court judge, Ong oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations, conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issues search and arrest warrants, and determines sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.

As a partner at the law firm of Connolly, Hillyer, and Ong, Ong manages key client relationships, pursues new clients, mentors junior lawyers, oversees certain areas of legal practice, and provides legal counsel on behalf of clients.

As the village solicitor for Dennison and Tuscarawas County, Ong reviewed the charges individuals are arrested for, determined which cases and charges will be tried in court, drafted and filed documents and warrants, prosecuted criminal charges on behalf of the government, and provided sentencing recommendations for convicted felons.

- As a county court judge, Ong oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations, conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issues search and arrest warrants, and determines sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.
- As a partner at the law firm of Connolly, Hillyer, and Ong, Ong manages key client relationships, pursues new clients, mentors junior lawyers, oversees certain areas of legal practice, and provides legal counsel on behalf of clients.
- As the village solicitor for Dennison and Tuscarawas County, Ong reviewed the charges individuals are arrested for, determined which cases and charges will be tried in court, drafted and filed documents and warrants, prosecuted criminal charges on behalf of the government, and provided sentencing recommendations for convicted felons.

Legal Experience

James J Ong

- The county court hears lawsuits (civil cases, not criminal cases) for claims up to $15,000.
- The county court can also deal with misdemeanors (crimes with jail terms up to one year and fines up to $1,000) and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
- The county court covers areas in the county where no municipal court has jurisdiction.
- The candidate must have been admitted to practice law in Ohio for at least one year before the term begins and have at least six years of experience working as a lawyer in Ohio.
- County court judges are elected to 6-year terms in nonpartisan elections. 

Oversees misdemeanor cases and lawsuits for amounts up to $15,000