In a criminal case, failure to appear can result in an arrest warrant and new charges, judicial department officials said. In a civil case, it can lead to a default judgment or a dismissal, depending on who fails to appear. The program introduced Monday will help individuals avoid financial and other consequences of failing to appear, keep cases moving and increase productivity for courts, attorneys and law enforcement by avoiding the cost and delays of rescheduling, Hukari said. In addition to an online response form and email communication, jurors can opt to receive status updates and service reminders via text message instead of having to periodically call in to check when they're due in court. The service comes on the heels of a similar program for jurors first introduced in Marion County last fall. Judicial department officials said the goal is to offer the service statewide by July. More: Oregon Supreme Court affirms juries can acquit in split votes Now, Marion, as well as Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Morrow and Umatilla County Circuit Courts, are among the first to launch the program. The state judicial department tested the text messaging program in early February in the Josephine County Circuit Court. Victims who wish to follow criminal proceedings can sign up for the program, according to Linda Hukari, trial court administrator for the Marion County Circuit Court. Those involved in confidential cases such as juvenile proceedings and civil commitment cases are not eligible. The Oregon Judicial Department announced the launching of a service Monday that aims to improve communication and reduce instances of failure to appear.ĭefendants, petitioners and respondents involved in civil and out-of-custody criminal cases in circuit courts are eligible to receive reminders. The program also applies to Oregon's Tax Court, but not to municipal or justice courts. Starting this week, individuals scheduled to appear at Marion County Circuit Court can sign up to receive text message reminders about their upcoming court hearings.
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