PAINESVILLE, Ohio — It's a relatively quiet day in Painesville Municipal Court.
Judge Michael Cicconetti isn't sentencing anyone to mow the grass with a push mower, or shoot paintballs at their own car. And yes, those are actual punishments he's handed down in the 25 years he's served Painesville Municipal Court.
Instead, Cicconetti is gracing the bench for the final time Friday.
Cicconetti, widely known for imposing creative sentences on those who pass through his courtroom, announced his retirement in February. He began serving Painesville Municipal Court in 1994. His creative sentences have generated national attention, such as when he ordered a man to mow a lawn with an old-fashioned push mower. Or there was the time he gave a woman the option to walk 30 miles after she didn't pay a cab driver for a 30-mile trip.
A teen also experienced Cicconetti's innovation when he was ordered to spend 60 days in jail, or teach a class on how to save a life with the Red Cross.
Then there was the paintball sentence. Two young men shot paintballs at a house and in return, Cicconetti ordered them to shoot pink paintballs at their own car. They also had to clean the car afterward, and contribute 40 hours of community service to Habitat for Humanity.
The chicken suit sentence also requires mentioning when recalling Cicconetti's career.
Three Lake County men were caught in an undercover police sting for misdemeanor crimes. Cicconetti, who said he was inspired by the movie "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," sentenced each defendant to wear a chicken suit for an hour while holding a sign stating there is no chicken ranch in Painesville. The alternative option was 20 days behind bars.
"They've all been fun to do, nobody's been hurt by it," Cicconetti said Friday. "I think for the most part, every one of them have learned from it."
He believes the key to success as a judge is staying grounded.
"Belong to different clubs, organizations, volunteer organizations, you know, and go back and renew friendships," he said.
The judge plans to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren.