Posted: Friday, June 25, 2010

Recipients of payable citations due to Washington County District Court can now pay their fines via an automated phone system or online using a credit card 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is only available for citations that do not require a court appearance.

Payments can be made by calling (651) 281-3219 in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3611.  Payment can also be made through the Minnesota Judicial Branch Website, www.mncourts.gov.  A convenience fee will be charged for each payment made by phone or Web.  Payments may still be made in person at the courthouse or by mail.

The service is part of a Minnesota Judicial Branch effort to reduce costs and improve service to the public. The processing of about 1 million payable citations each year is being transitioned from local courthouses to a centralized Court Payment Center.  The project also includes the creation of a statewide call center to answer questions and direct callers to the appropriate location if a court appearance or other action is required.

"The Court Payment Center provides us with a unique opportunity to enhance customer service," said Washington County Court Administrator Annette Fritz.  "Also, reduced payment receipting at the local level will free up court staff to focus on higher level casework - a critical need in many counties."