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Walk-in counter and telephone services will be curtailed Wednesday afternoons, 1:30-4:30 p.m., beginning January 2, 2008 to allow court staff to complete necessary case processing, filing and other administrative functions.
All court appearances and trials will continue as scheduled on Wednesday afternoons.
All court locations have reduced hours on Wednesday afternoons, including downtown locations at the Hennepin County Government Center, City Hall, Family Justice Center, Juvenile Justice Center, Public Safety Facility and the suburban locations at Brookdale, Ridgedale and Southdale. Drop boxes for filings or payments by check are available at all locations.
Court users will no longer be able to pay traffic tickets in person, see a hearing officer, request copies of court files or receive information about cases via telephone on Wednesday afternoons at all locations.
The court will no longer conduct criminal record checks for the public. This information is accessible through the MNCIS Public Access (MPA) Web site. The public terminals will be available during regular business hours, except for Wednesdays 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Hennepin County services (probation, driver's licenses, tax payments, etc.) are not affected.
Forms, instructions and other information to begin a court process are available to the public on the Web site at www.mncourts.gov/district/4.
Civil/Housing Filing Counter will be temporarily moved from the Public Service Level to the 12th floor Courts Tower of the Hennepin County Government Center (November 13, 2007)
Signs will be placed on the Public Service Level directing customers to C12 for Civil/Housing Filing.
Chief Judge James T. Swenson to Receive Foundation for Improvement of Justice Assistant Award (July 31, 2007)
Assistant Chief Judge James T. Swenson will receive the Foundation for Improvement of Justice 2007 Paul H. Chapman Award at an awards banquet in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 22, 2007. Judge Swenson is recognized for his work in Family Court by promoting early resolution of cases involving children and families through such strategies such as Early Case Management, Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)and Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) programs. Both of these programs are a major component in expediting the process of resolving Family Court cases. Because of ENE's proven success within Hennepin County, other jurisdictions are replicating it. For more information, read the full media advisory.
Traffic Ticket Informational Video Now Online (July 10, 2007)
"So You Received a Ticket, Now What?" informational video (click to watch)
The Fourth Judicial District’s informational video, “So You Received a Ticket, Now What?” explains the Hearing Office, court procedures and payment options for traffic citations issued in Hennepin County.
“Each year we see over 100,000 Hennepin County citizens who have questions about how to resolve a ticket. The video is one way to strengthen public education regarding how our court system works. Adding the video to the Web site allows the public to view it any time, at their convenience. It will also play continuously in the downtown Hearing Office reception area.” said Chief Judge Lucy Wieland.
People seeking to contest a ticket must first visit a Fourth Judicial District Hearing Office before they can appear on any court calendar. Walk-in Hearing Office appointments are available at the
Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis at 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487. Appointments are also available at the following locations by calling 612-348-2040.
Court Convenes at Roosevelt High School (May 14, 2007)
Judge Toddrick Barnette conducted an enactment of a Rasmussen hearing in a felony drug possession case involving a firearm. More than 100 students observed the hearing and participated in a question and answer session. One of the judiciary's top strategic priorities is to increase public trust and confidence by strengthening public education regarding the role of the courts. Judge Toddrick Barnette believes that “holding courts in the community is one way to educate the public about what we do. Having these opportunities in the schools gives the kids a realistic view of the justice system at work.” This is the first time the Fourth Judicial District has convened at Roosevelt High School.
Read a news article about the community outreach event (pdf)
Hennepin County Chemical Dependency Task Force (CDTF) issues Final Recommendations for Adult Drug and DWI Offenses (March 7, 2007)
Fourth Judicial District Chief Judge Lucy Wieland and Director of Hennepin County Community Corrections Fred LaFleur co-chaired the CDTF. The CDTF convened three subcommittees - Adult Drug/Drug Court Subcommittee, DWI Subcommittee and Juvenile Alcohol and Other Drug Subcommittee. This report covers the work and recommendations of the Adult drug and DWI groups. Each subcommittee included representatives from the bench, court administration, prosecution, community corrections, public defender and human services. The subcommittees reviewed research and evidence-based practices and then formulated recommendations to improve the functioning of the Hennepin County criminal justice system.
Read the report released by the Hennepin County Chemical Dependency Task Force (pdf).
Judge James Swenson recognized as Minnesota District Judges' Association Judge of the Year
Fourth Judicial District Assistant Chief Judge James Swenson was recently recognized for his outstanding service to the judiciary in Family Court. His development of the aggressive case management program and early neutral evaluation program have resulted in a reduction of time spent on acrimonious cases and better service to families going through a divorce. Read an article about Judge Swenson printed in the | Minnesota Lawyer (pdf).
Domestic Fatality Review Team releases Findings (January 24, 2007)
The Domestic Fatality Review Team is part of a growing national movement to provide in-depth cse reviews of the events and circumstances surrounding domestic homicides to identify responses and strategies to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The 35-member Review Team, appointed by the Chief Judge, represents a diverse group of professionals, including judges, prosecutors, public defenders, physicians, advocates, probation officers, psychologists, corporate human resource directors, social workers, community volunteers, and policy makers. The Project Chair is Judge Kathryn Quaintance.
Read a copy of the report (pdf).
Court Convenes at Wayzata High School (January 12, 2007)
Judge Gary Larson conducted a Rasmussen hearing and considered arguments in a felony drug possession case. More than 140 students observed the hearing, and it was also videotaped by students for use in a future educational project. One of the judiciary's strategic priorities is to increase public trust and confidence by strengthening public education regarding the role of the courts. This is the fist time the Fourth Judicial District has convened at Wayzata High School. Judge Gary Larson believes that "Courts must take an active role in public education, and holding court in a community setting is one way to educate the public about the third [judicial] branch of government."
Read a news article about the community outreach event (pdf).
Housing Court Filing Fee Notice (effective January 2, 2007)
Effective January 2, 2007 an initial filing fee will be assessed to all defendants for the first paper they file with the Court. This could include an answer or motion. The filing fee is $252.00. Rent Escrow Counterclaims are still $55.00. People who are low income and meet certain guidelines, such as being on public assistance, being represented by Legal Aid, or have an annual family income before taxes of less than 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can file an IFP (In Forma Pauperis). This affidavit may waive this fee. This fee is consistent with Minnesota Statutes 357.021. Please visit the Housing Court website for more information.
For more information, please contact: