Daily Briefs

31st District Court Hamtramck offering new online resolution of traffic citations


Hamtramck motorists now have the opportunity to settle traffic tickets more quickly and efficiently through an innovative online resolution system the district court is launching. With the new system drivers can now access the court 24/7 using their smartphone, tablet, or computer when resolving traffic violations.

According to 31st District Court Judge Alexis Krot, the online resolution system is a logical fit with the Court’s customer service mission.

“Offering online resolution of traffic tickets fits squarely with the Court’s larger goal of improving customer service by seeking new and innovative ways of conducting business,” said Krot. “The Court understands that not everyone has the option of taking time from work or school to come to court to address a traffic ticket. The online resolution system provides an alternative method for drivers to have a ticket reviewed by the City Attorney without having to make a trip in person to the courthouse.”

The online platform walks individuals through a series of qualifying questions and allows them to submit their position online as if they were speaking in court. The City Attorney then reviews their case and decides whether to offer the individual an alternative charge. Throughout the process, litigants receive emails and text messages updating them on the status of their case.

Court Innovations Inc., an Ann Arbor-based software company that originated in the University of Michigan Law School, developed the Matterhorn platform.

“The 31st District Court is taking a big step forward by adopting technology that makes it fast and simple for people to have their voice heard and for justice to be served,” said Court Innovations CEO MJ Cartwright. “Across the board, when courts adopt Matterhorn, the time for a case to be resolved drops dramatically, and citizen satisfaction with the courts improves significantly.”

The online ticket resolution system allows courts to handle many types of high-volume infractions completely online, saving time and money for citizens and courts. Rather than limiting judicial or law enforcement discretion, the software gives decision-makers the ability to resolve cases rapidly. Its 24/7 access and education component also empowers drivers to work with the court to resolve minor violations informally, and at a convenient time.

The 31st District Court is one of 18 district courts across Michigan offering this online option to their citizens, including six courts in Metro Detroit.

Motorists who have recently received a civil traffic infraction violation in Hamtramck can visit www.courtinnovations.com/MID31 to resolve the matter online.

 

Government advises cutting ex-Detroit mayor’s restitution
 

DETROIT (AP) — The federal government is recommending that former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s restitution in his corruption case be reduced from $4.5 million to $1.6 million.

This week’s U.S. District Court filing came after a federal appeals court ruled that Kilpatrick’s restitution calculation “was erroneous” and should be based more on Detroit’s losses. Specifically, the order noted money from water and sewer contracts.

Kilpatrick was found guilty of tax evasion and bribery in 2013. He resigned as mayor in another scandal in 2008, and is currently in federal prison.

Kilpatrick’s attorney, Harold Gurewitz, has until Nov. 22 to respond.

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