DEARBORN – The 19th District Court has launched a new online resolution system that provides people with an opportunity to settle traffic tickets more quickly and efficiently. The, user-friendly service provides people access to the court 24 hours a day, seven days a week using their smartphone, tablet or computer.
In addition to making payments online, people who receive traffic civil infractions in Dearborn and meet eligibility criteria can now contest tickets without ever having to appear at the courthouse.
The online platform, Matterhorn, walks people through a series of qualifying questions and allows them to submit their position online as if they were speaking in court. A law enforcement officer then reviews their case. From there, a magistrate determines next steps, including assessing fines that a litigant can pay online. Throughout the process, litigants receive emails and text messages updating them on the status of their case.
“We recognize that taking time from work, school or other obligations to wait in line at the courthouse can be frustrating,” Chief Judge Gene Hunt said. “The court’s dedication to automated enhancements will help the Dearborn court continue to be effective and efficient in court operations while enabling better public access.”
Court Innovations Inc., an Ann Arbor-based software company that originated in the University of Michigan Law School, developed the Matterhorn platform.
“Dearborn’s judicial system 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,” Court Innovations CEO M.J. Cartwright said. “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.”
Matterhorn allows courts throughout the United States 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, Court Innovations’ software gives decision-makers the ability to resolve cases more equitably and rapidly. Its 24/7 access and education component also empowers defendants to work with the court to resolve minor violations informally, and at a convenient time.
Dearborn is one of 27 district courts in Michigan offering this online option to their residents.
Motorists who have recently received a civil traffic infraction violation in Dearborn, can go to www.courtinnovations.com/MID19 to resolve the matter online.