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Washington County Citations Now Payable by Phone/Internet
On June 22, 2010, Washington County "went live" with a new Minnesota Judicial Branch initiative intended to increase efficiencies and improve customer service in the area of payable citations. The new Minnesota Court Payment Center (MNCPC) was established to provide centralized payable court services to the entire state, from case initiation through payment receipt. Where payments were previously processed at the local courthouse, the MNCPC now accepts payments, by phone or internet, on payable citations from participating counties at the convenience of the customer.
Annette Fritz, Washington County Court Administrator, says "The MNCPC provides us with a unique opportunity to enhance customer service in this area." Fritz also emphasized that reduced phone calls and payment receipting at the local level will free up court staff to focus on higher level casework - a critical need in many counties.
Washington County continues to offer two options to resolve a payable citation: see a hearing officer, or pay the fine in full (which constitutes a guilty plea to all charges). For information on hearing officers, click here. To pay a payable fine:
* Online: MasterCard or Visa: www.mncourts.gov
* Phone: MasterCard or Visa: 651-281-3219 or 1-800-657-3611
* Mail: Check or money order payable to Court Administration at:
Minnesota Court Payment Center
P.O. Box 898
Willmar, Minnesota 56201
...or click here for more information.
TO PAY A FINE THAT HAS GONE INTO COLLECTIONS, click here.
NOTE: Court-required fines cannot be paid online or by phone. Court-required payments must be made (1) in person at Washington County Court Administration, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater, Minnesota; OR (2) mailed to Minnesota Court Payment Center, P.O. Box 898, Willmar, MN 56201.
Statewide Source Code Evidentiary Hearings:
First Judicial District Judge Jerome B. Abrams has been assigned to administer, hear, and decide all pretrial matters concerning challenges to the reliability of Intoxilyzer 5000EN results based on the source code of the instrument.
The hearing concluded on December 23, 2010 and has been taken under advisement by Judge Abrams with a decision expected by May 1, 2011.
Proposed schedule for resolution of consolidated cases, recent orders and federal court documents
Washington County Judges' Notice to Counsel regarding Source Code Cases
Washington County Order re Pending Criminal Cases with Source Code Issues
Interim Order Awaiting Judge Abrams Decisions
Contact information:
Christina Walters, Source Code Office Assistant to Judge Abrams - 952-496-8910
Wayne Minske, Washington County Deputy Court Administrator - 651-430-6315
Closure of Cottage Grove Satellite Office:
The Cottage Grove Satellite Office closed permanently effective July 1, 2008. Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury, and Cottage Grove cases are now processed at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater.
Hearing Officer Appointments:
Effective Wednesday, July 2, 2008, Hearing Officer appointments are available at the Washington County Service Center - Cottage Grove (13000 Ravine Parkway S.) by appointment only. Customers may call 651-430-6279 to schedule an appointment. In addition, hearing officer services remain available at the Washington County Government Center (14949 62nd St. N, Stillwater) on a walk-in basis.
CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VIOLATIONS BUREAU/HEARING OFFICER (VB/HO) PROGRAM:
VB/HO PROGRAM BROCHURE
**NEW IN MAY 2009** - Hearings by Mail
Beginning May 2009, defendants living 70+ miles from the Washington County Government Center are allowed "hearings by mail" to resolve payable citations. The defendant should mail or fax a letter to the hearing officer containing the following information:
1. Addressed to: "Hearing Officer Mail" at 14949 62nd St. N., P.O. Box 3802, Stillwater, MN 55082;
2. Include a legible copy of the driver's license;
3. Include a copy of an internet mapping documentation (e.g. Mapquest) confirming defendant's residence is 70+ miles from the Washington County Government Center;
4. An explanation of the circumstances surrounding the offense(s);
5. Mail to the address noted above, or fax to 651-430-6300.
The hearing officer will review the above and, if approved, a return letter outlining options and appropriate court document(s) will be sent to the defendant for signature. The defendant will then sign, have his/her signature notarized, and mail the completed document(s) to the hearing officer with a check/money order, if required.
For questions regarding this procedure, call 651-430-6279.
Office Hours:
Normal business hours for Washington County Court Administration, State Judicial Branch, are 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, with the exception of Tuesday mornings. Beginning November 1, 2011, Tuesday business hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm. This means that on Tuesdays, counter services and public phone lines are unavailable for the one-hour period from 8:00am to 9:00am; however court remains in session at its usual times.
A drop box is located on the the first floor at the entrance to the Courts Towers (near metal detector). Cash should not accompany any payments or filings placed in the drop box - checks only.
Washington County Court (State of Minnesota Judicial Branch) places a high focus on access and public service. Unfortunately, budget realities won't allow us to continue that level of service.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Notice Regarding Closure of Cottage Grove Satellite Office: