-
Getting and staying on budget. In May 2013, the court was spending about $4 million over budget. Through difficult cuts and layoffs, the court began this fiscal year on budget and has been operating on budget or slightly under budget since that time.
-
Streamlining criminal matters. In the past, felony exams at 36th District Court created a lot of foot traffic and were burdensome to police and lawyers alike. Now, all felony exams are held in Frank Murphy Hall of Justice (Third Judicial Circuit Court). Additionally, prisoners no longer travel to 36th District Court for arraignments; instead, the court does two video arraignment sessions a day, reducing police time needed for transport and streamlining the process.
-
Reorganization of courtrooms. Rather than having civil and criminal divisions with judges rotating every six weeks, the court now has separate, designated floors for different case types (such as general civil, landlord-tenant, traffic, etc.) with a certain number of judges designated for each. Judge Talbot notes that this reduces confusion and chaos, is more efficient, and “just makes sense.” Additionally, the judges have their own teams of staffers and case managers who help keep track of case files and promote efficiency.
-
Representatives for traffic matters. The court now employs representatives who are authorized to make offers to settle moving violations. The police officer does not have to be present. Judge Talbot says that the court disposes of “seventy percent of all moving violations on the first go-round.”
-
Ticket amnesty program. During several weeklong amnesty periods, civil infractions in default status and misdemeanor tickets could be paid in person. The court extended its hours, put out a press release, and advertised this amnesty program via social media channels. Judge Talbot said that on the first Monday of the program, 9,000 people came to court to resolve their problems. He noted that this program makes the city money while accommodating people at the same time.