About
Meet Judge Nicole Khoury
Public defender. Prosecutor intern. Nonprofit founder. Since 2018, Judge of the Toledo Municipal Court.
Experience from every side of the courtroom
Judge Nicole Khoury’s legal career began before she ever entered law school, working in the Maumee Municipal Court Prosecutor’s Office. While attending law school, she worked part-time for renowned criminal defense attorney Alan Konop, conducting legal research and eventually serving as co-counsel on several high-profile criminal cases, including State of Ohio v. Fr. Gerald Robinson.
During her final semester at the University of Toledo College of Law, she returned to the Maumee Municipal Court as a prosecutor intern before joining the Lucas County Public Defender’s Office, representing clients in the Maumee, Sylvania, and Oregon Municipal Courts. After passing the Ohio Bar Examination, she became a contracted public defender while launching a private practice in Ohio and Michigan, focused on criminal defense and entertainment law.
Through her years with the Lucas County Public Defender’s Office, she represented thousands of indigent clients, developing extensive courtroom and trial experience and earning a reputation as a dedicated advocate. In 2017, she was elected Judge of the Toledo Municipal Court, and in 2023 Toledo voters returned her to the bench for a second six-year term.
Education
Juris Doctor, University of Toledo College of Law, 2001.
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Hillsdale College, 1998.
Family
Nicole lives in Toledo with her husband, Scott Hayes, and remains deeply committed to serving the City of Toledo and its residents.
How she runs her courtroom
Accountability first
She holds people responsible for their actions, and she expects them to show up and do the work.
A path forward
Her license reinstatement initiatives have helped thousands of residents regain driving privileges, employment, and independence. She is a strong advocate for expanding access to mental health and addiction treatment.
Hands-on, every week
She personally monitors participants in specialized programs and works closely with individuals facing complex challenges.
Project iAm and Acoustics for Autism
Judge Khoury founded Project iAm and its signature annual fundraiser, Acoustics for Autism, to help Northwest Ohio families with the costs of autism treatment and therapy. Nearly two decades later, the entirely volunteer-driven nonprofit has provided more than $1.3 million in direct assistance and is one of the region’s most respected charities.
She has also performed music publicly throughout Northwest Ohio for more than 25 years.
See the galleryBoards and service
Mentor, Mom’s House, Sisters-in-Law Program
Board, Pride of Toledo Foundation
Board, Toledo Bar Association Foundation
Board, Valentine Theatre
Supporter: Lucas County D.A.R.T., Toledo Buffalo Soldiers, Veterans Matter, Little Eric’s Foundation, Caly Cares Foundation