EAST LANSING, Mich. – The East Lansing 54B District Court recently signed on with Matterhorn by Court Innovations – an online platform that allows defendants, police and judges to conveniently work toward resolving minor traffic violations.
“Taking time from work, school or other obligations to spend time taking care of a traffic ticket can be frustrating” said 54B District Court Chief Judge Andrea Andrews Larkin. “We were determined to provide better services to our traffic customers by creating more efficiency and fairness within the system.”
Matterhorn will walk individuals through a series of qualifying questions that will help determine whether they are eligible to resolve their violation online. If eligible, a defendant can submit their position online, which will then be reviewed by the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD). From there, Judge Larkin or 54B District Court Judge Richard Ball will determine the outcome. Defendants can follow the progress of their case and will be notified by text or email of the judge’s final decision.
“The defendant does not have to come to court to have his/her case resolved,” said Judge Larkin. “The program is voluntary and defendants can still choose to come to court for an informal hearing before a judge if that is their preference.”
The online program will be offered beginning June 1 and can be accessed at www.54BDistrictCourt.com. Individuals can click on the Online Traffic Ticket Review option on the website to see if they are eligible. Only minor traffic violations issued by ELPD will be considered. At this time, Michigan State University Police are not participating in the program.