3 Tools to Help Defendants Resolve Cases More Efficiently

From the moment a case lands on the docket until the final payment is received, court staff spend valuable time reviewing caseloads, engaging with defendants, and maintaining compliance. The longer a case remains open, the more work it takes to close. To lighten this load, courts are turning to technology.

In a recent webinar, two courts highlighted how meeting defendants where they are with digital and online court services not only frees up your court staff for more complex tasks, but it also increases defendant access to justice. From small rural courts that are difficult to reach to large growing courts that present operational barriers to efficiency, technology that facilitates online interactions empowers defendants to take ownership of their court experience.

Here are three ways defendants can resolve their cases more efficiently:

1. Searchable Database for Cases and Tickets

Brett Byington, senior product analyst at Nevada’s Las Vegas Justice Court, recalled their goal of “quieting our lobby” and getting people online. Making court case and citation information searchable in multiple formats and in a single online database creates an easy experience for the public, while securing sensitive data. Kyle Warner, product manager also with the Las Vegas Justice Court, added that smart search capabilities have “added simplicity yet granularity” needed for the 70% of the state’s caseload that’s owned by their court. Simply adding case information online opens the doors for more opportunities like payments and resolution, without using valuable court resources or requiring constituents to make a trip to the courthouse.

2. Flexible Online Payment Options for Court Fees

Convenient payment options are part of societal expectations. When courts provide constituents with options that fit their needs, it represents an experience that matters, which can expedite their resolution and improve public perception of the court. “If you have a debit card, you can sit at home in your pajamas and pay your traffic ticket online. It’s a game-changer in our rural county,” shared Kim Turner, court executive at Mendocino County Court, California. Whether a defendant wants to complete a partial payment, pay online or by text, or even compile fee types into one transaction, this flexibility makes them feel in control, despite having to reluctantly hand over cash to the court. Turner added, “Because it’s so well-laid out online, we’ve seen a dramatic reduction in the number of people calling and coming through our doors, taking the time of our staff to ask routine questions.”

3. Streamlined Documentation for Traffic Tickets

Oftentimes, a defendant may not have the appropriate documentation at the time of the traffic citation. They would have to “walk into the courthouse to show us proof of their documentation or sometimes even mail it in,” said Turner. Alternatively, empowering defendants with options online fosters independence while cutting down on court processes for people at the window. With appropriate documentation submitted online, defendants can appeal noncompliance, elect court programs like traffic school, or request a payment deferral. “We’re able to marry [their documentation] with their case to get it closed more seamlessly,” said Turner. Options add value, and value helps paint a positive perception of the court.

Case Management to Case Resolution

Today’s expectations are access and transparency. With easy access to information and options, constituents can independently resolve their cases, feeling more in control of their court experience. As a result, courts can spend less time on case management and focus more efforts on case resolution.

Advancing the Traffic Citation Process

This county improved efficiency and simplified resolution options by strengthening courts and public safety departments.