Public Notice Detail

HASTINGS, MN (February 16, 2005)  – Dakota County District Court will hold special weekend court sessions in order to provide an alternative time and location for people with active bench warrants to turn themselves in.

The weekend court sessions will be held on Friday, March 4, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road West, West St. Paul, and the Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley.

Dakota County Court sent people with active warrants a letter on February 10 that states that they may report to court on one of the above dates and be seen by a judge.  District Court will waive the bench warrant fee for individuals who appear on one of the above dates and a public defender will be available to them if they qualify. In almost all cases, jail is not an option for individuals who voluntarily turn themselves in.

These special weekend sessions are being offered so the court can manage increasing caseloads during the week by setting aside time devoted to bench warrants.

There are more than 4,600 active Dakota County bench warrants. They have been issued by judges as orders for the Sheriff to locate and bring before the court people who remain accountable for misdemeanors and felonies. The violations may include probation violations and failures to appear in court, pay fines, or report to jail. 
 
This project is a joint collaboration and includes assistance from the Dakota County Bench, the Dakota County Sheriff, the First District Public Defenders, the City Attorneys of Dakota County, and Dakota County Community Corrections.

Dakota County continually looks for innovative ways to enforce judges’ orders, make participants accountable to the court system and victims and increase fine and fee collections.

WHO:  Individuals with a Dakota County bench warrant

WHAT: Special weekend court sessions

WHEN: Friday, March 4, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Northern Service Center
               1 Mendota Road West
              West St. Paul

             Western Service Center
             14955 Galaxie Ave.
             Apple Valley

Individuals may contact Dakota County District Court at (952) 891-7820 to obtain more information.

About the Minnesota Judiciary
The Minnesota Judicial Branch is made up of 10 judicial districts with 276 district court judgeships, 16 Court of Appeals judges, and seven Supreme Court justices.  The Supreme Court oversees the administration of justice in the state, and Kathleen A. Blatz serves as the Chief Justice.  The Minnesota Judicial Branch is mandated by the Minnesota Constitution to resolve disputes promptly and without delay, and it handles approximately 2 million cases per year.  The Minnesota Supreme Court hears appeals from the Court of Appeals, Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals and Tax Court; reviews first-degree murder convictions, and legislative election disputes.  For more information, visit www.courts.state.mn.us.

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