2017 State of the Court

Restored and Expanded Services

The Needles Courthouse Reopening

Restoration of services remains a top priority and was realized by the reopening of the Needles courthouse in July 2017. Once a month, Needles residents can appear remotely by two-way video conferencing with a judge sitting at the Barstow courthouse. This allows residents to appear locally for traffic and infraction arraignments that are held at the Barstow District. For those who prefer to appear in-person or who have small claims and landlord-tenant matters, transportation has been established through the Victorville Valley Transit Authority Route 200, departing each Friday from Needles to Barstow in the morning , and returning to Needles in the evening. This collaborative effort, between the Court and 1 st District Supervisor, Ronald Lovingood, represents the continuing effort to restore services which were once eliminated due to budget cuts. In addition to these services, the public can also make non-cash payments, sign-up for traffic school, request payment extensions and schedule court date appearances in the clerk’s office. Expansion to other case types and hearings will continue in the next year. Shelter Court Courtroom Calendars A stand-alone Complex Civil Litigation Department was created on September 6, 2016, which provides the public with individualized judicial management and expedited resolution on complex issues, as well as creates cost and resource efficiencies for both the parties and the Court. The formation of the Complex Civil Litigation Department follows other recent initiatives to restore access and improve service to our community. In addition, a third probate courtroom was added on September 12, 2016 to handle the significant increase seen in probate filings and the return of Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) matters to the department. Hearings and trials are now scheduled sooner because of this new addition. Uniform Operating Hours As of June 5, 2017, all court facilities and weapons screening began opening to the public at 7:30 a.m. These changes reflect the Court’s continuing effort to ensure consistent access to justice throughout the county. In collaboration with the city of Upland and homeless advocates, Shelter Court reopened on June 23, 2017. On the fourth Friday of every month in the city of Upland, Shelter Court helps homeless individuals resolve open misdemeanor cases, settle outstanding fines, restore benefits, and release holds on driver’s licenses.

State of the Court Report 3