FY14 Proposed Budget - City of Springfield

Legal and Judicial Services Department
Program: Municipal Court
Program Description:
The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal, traffic crimes and violations
cited by the Springfield Police Department, Nuisance Code Enforcement, and Parking Control
officers. The Court provides judicial services for the administration of justice, case and jury
management, appointments of attorneys for indigent defense and interpreters, probation
monitoring and enforcement and collection of bail, fines, and fees. The Court strives to maintain
public confidence in the ability of the legal judicial system to uphold the rule of law, resolve legal
contests in a fair and timely manner and to compel compliance with the laws that protect the
safety and quality of life in the community.
Budget Highlights:
Since adoption of State statutes in November of 1997, case filings at the Municipal rather than
state level has ensured prosecution of misdemeanor crimes committed in the City of Springfield.
The opening of the Springfield Municipal Jail on January 29, 2010, increased the ability of the
court to hold offenders accountable and to increase the ability of the Court to compel
compliance with sentencing orders, including payment of monetary penalties.
Caseload filings are currently estimated at 12,252 for FY13, with a total of $1,556,784 estimated
in total fines imposed. Criminal case adjudication rates for FY13 are anticipated at 93%. Total
collection for this fiscal year is currently estimated at $1,555,439 which includes fines and fee
revenue to the city, and state fees.
The Court implemented new computer software on October 29, 2012. The new Tyler
Technologies system offers enhanced customer services through on-line case adjudication
options for violations and on-line web payments. The system will allow the Court to move closer
to a “near paperless” operation and provides electronic signatures for Judges and defendants
as well as automated workflows. The new system, however, does not provide integration to
other local criminal justice agency systems or data propagation and coupled with the scope of
changes implemented and/or to be implemented with the Tyler system, the transition will
continue to have significant impact for Court staff until all functionality is brought fully
operational. Police and Jail computer systems are scheduled to be implemented in late 2014,
and these new systems will also have some impact for Court operations.
Service Level Changes:
No service level change for FY14
FY14 Proposed Budget Attachment 31 Page 119 of 202