The
East Lansing 54B District Court joined a handful of courts in Michigan using an online platform that allows defendants, police and judges to conveniently resolve minor traffic violations.
Matterhorn by Court Innovations walks individuals through a series of qualifying questions that assess whether they can resolve their violation online. Defendants then submit their position online for review by the East Lansing Police Department, and the outcome determined by one of the two 54B District Court judges. Defendants can follow the progress of their case and will be notified by text or email of the judge's final decision.
"The defendant does not have to come to court to have his/her case resolved," says Chief Judge Andrea Andrews Larkin. "The program is voluntary and defendants can still choose to come to court for an informal hearing before a judge if that is their preference."
District Court Administrator Denise McCrimmon says the new system is part of the court's efforts to provide better services to traffic customers by creating more efficiencies and fairness. The system is available to anyone issued a traffic citation from the East Lansing Police Department.
"It's a great customer service opportunity," McCrimmon says. "If someone from Ohio were issued a speeding ticket for 5 mph over and qualified, they would be given the same opportunity as an East Lasing resident with the same circumstances."
Minor traffic violations that can be reviewed through the Matterhorn system include those related to improper or prohibited turns, driving up to 10 mph over the speed limit, failures to stop or yield, improper passing, and other violations three points and under.
East Lansing's new online program is among several initiatives that leverage technology to improve the court's customer service. In 2014, the city made it possible for court customers to view public cases online instead of having to fill out a form and pay for printed information. Real-time dockets were also added for both judges so people could look up their court case, time and date online.
"We continue to strive to provide service for our customers," says McCrimmon. "We believe our customers come first."
The online ticket review program is modeled after programs being used in 14A District Court in Pittsfield, 30
th District Court in Highland Park, and courts in Bay County. The East Lansing program started June 1 and can be accessed
here.
Source: Denise McCrimmon, Court Administrator, 54B District Court, East Lansing
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Innovation News? Email Ann Kammerer here.
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