Mahoning County Prosecutor

Lynn Maro

330-740-2330
8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office Logo

Mahoning County Prosecutor's People's Law School

What is People’s Law School?

People’s Law School is a 7 week course offered by the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office to provide a free overview of legal concepts to the community. 

REGISTRATION FOR THE WINTER SESSION IS AT CAPACITY, AND THEREFORE CLOSED.

This is not a drop-in program, it is a course designed for participants to attend each week. 

People’s Law School 2026 will be held every Tuesday night from February 10th – March 31st (excluding St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th).

Session Dates:  February 10, 17, 24, and March 3, 10, 24, 31. 
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Library
                  305 Wick Avenue
                  Youngstown, OH 44512

Ample parking is available directly behind the library. 

Course Schedule:

Week 1:

Hour 1: Criminal Prosecution and Plea Bargaining

With Prosecutor Lynn Maro

  • Criminal prosecution, from investigation and charging to trial
  • Roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges
  • Plea bargaining—its benefits, drawbacks, and the Office standards governing its use

 

Week 2:

The Constitution and Understanding Your Rights

With Criminal Chief, John Juhasz

  • Key constitutional rights under both the United States and Ohio Constitutions
  • Fundamental protections such as search and seizure, due process, free speech, and the right to counsel
Week 3:

Juvenile Law 

With Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Yozwiak

  • The juvenile justice system in Mahoning County, focusing on how it differs from adult criminal court
  • The prosecutor’s role in balancing rehabilitation and accountability.

 

Self Defense Law

With Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn A. Maro

 

Week 4:

Human Trafficking and Sting Operations

With Major Jeff Allen and Judge Renee DiSalvo

  • Human trafficking laws, supporting survivors, and prosecuting offenders
  • The use of sting operations as a law enforcement tactic
Week 5:

Misdemeanors and OVI

With Law School Graduate and Legal Clerk Donovon Sheldon and the State Highway Patrol

  • Misdemeanor offenses and typical penalties
  • OVI charges, including legal definitions, testing procedures, and court processes

 

Week 6:

Mahoning County Governance and the Public Records Requests

With Civil Division Chief Kathi McNabb Welsh and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Leonard Hall 

  • An overview of the prosecutor’s role in representing county official, offices, and boards
  • The legal explanation of the process for Public Record Requests
Week 7:

Wills and Estates

With Judge Robert Rusu

  • An introduction to wills, estates, and the probate process
  • The legal importance of having a valid will
  • What happens when someone dies without a will

Program Resources