8 July 2010

Virtual Court was in session as the City of San Antonio, TX launched a new, innovative Video Court pilot program. With the help of modern technology, the Video Court program will provide citizens with more accessibility to Municipal Court services -video court logo saving them time and money.

Through the use of a live video feed, this new program will give citizens with traffic violations the opportunity to have their case heard by a Municipal Court judge without having to physically go to Municipal Court. At the Video Court, a judge will be available to hear requests for payment arrangements; defensive driving; probation or reduced fines and fees.

"We are excited to partner with Municipal Court to provide this innovative service to our customers," said Tony Bosmans, director of Customer Service/311. "With this Video Court program, our goal is to make it easier for citizens to interact with Municipal Court in a non-threatening, customer-friendly atmosphere."

"This Video Court initiative is another way the City continues to utilize technology to create virtual access to City services," said Fred Garcia, Municipal Court Clerk. "Not only will we save time and money, but we will also maximize our existing Municipal Court resources."

To be eligible for Video Court, a citizen must meet the following requirements:

• Received a traffic ticket citation from a San Antonio Police Officer;
• Intend to plead GUILTY or NOLO CONTENDRE;
• Not be represented by an attorney;
• Must be the person named on the citation; and
• Be prepared to pay fees/fines as dictated by the Judge

Upon the completion of the pilot program, the Video Court will be evaluated and possibly expanded to other Community Link Center locations with additional hours of service.

For more information on Video Court, call Maggie Schneider at 210-207-5170.