Yolo Superior Court
Special to the Express
Yolo Superior Court has implemented a Text Notification system, now available for parties with current cases.
Parties can sign up through the court’s website at www.yolo.courts.ca.gov or by using QR codes available at the public service windows. This program is not available to individuals who are not a party to the case.
Once enrolled, parties will receive text notifications of court dates, continuances and cancellations through their mobile smartphone devices. There is no charge for this service.
“The Text Notification Program is a part of the court’s continued commitment to transparency and access” Presiding Judge Daniel Maguire stated, “It is our hope that eligible parties sign up and use this free program and that they find it helpful. We get it, people are busy, and reminders are always helpful”
Shawn Landry, Yolo Superior Court’s CEO, added “We are excited about this public access tool that provides parties hearing dates, times and courtroom information needed to appear at court. Most people already use text notification reminders for dentist appointments or other commitments in our daily lives, this is no different. It is really a win-win; a convenience for parties and it will reduce the number of postponements and failures to appear.”
Although most case types are eligible for Text Notification, there are some case types that are not available for this program due to strict confidentiality requirements.
Failures to appear cause unnecessary delays in court and can result in additional charges against a defendant.
Yolo County District Attorney, Jeff Reisig, stated “I commend the court for using innovation to streamline the criminal justice system. The rate of people failing to appear in court has been very high over the years. Most people don’t intentionally miss court and for those, getting text reminders will be extremely beneficial.”
Tracie Olson, Yolo County Public Defender, added “People can be jailed for missing court. Being jailed even for a few days disrupts employment and housing and causes other hardships in family units. A text reminder system helps people stay on track. I will certainly encourage clients to sign up.”
