Bellefontaine Municipal Court Judge Jacob Estes joined the Bellefontaine Rotary Club on Monday for their weekly lunch meeting, where he offered a behind-the-scenes look at how the court operates — and how it’s been evolving since he took the bench in January 2024.
In a relaxed but informative talk, Judge Estes walked Rotarians through the day-to-day workings of municipal court, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities he’s seen over the past year.
Since stepping into the role, Estes has made several changes aimed at improving the court’s effectiveness and fairness.
One of the most notable shifts has been a significant increase in the use of probation as an alternative to jail time.
Estes explained that he believes many individuals benefit more from being placed on probation — where they can access counseling, employment support, and rehabilitation services — if they choose to do so.
Judge Estes shared that he serves with a Christian conviction, striving to approach each case with compassion, humility, and a sense of justice rooted in his faith:
Estes closed with saying that he loves his job and the people he impacts on a daily basis.
