_{Lawrence Municipal Court}

    Memo

To: Dave  Corliss, Assistant City Manager

From: Vicki Stanwix, Court Manager

Date:    3/9/2004

Re:       Impact of Traffic Unit on Court Operations

Between the months of April and October of 2003, the Municipal Court received a total of 23,071 citations from the Lawrence Police Department.  This is an 11% increase from the same time frame in 2002.  Although this increase was not significant, there was a large increase in certain types of tickets within this total.  O.U.I. charges were up 27 % during this time frame, red light violations were up 21%, and the speeding ticket total was more than double the total from the previous year.  As a result, the overall volume of both the Court and the Prosecutor’s office has increased. 

     The Prosecutor’s office has estimated a 50% increase in the volume of their work, most notably with O.U.I. diversions and traffic ticket amendments.  The increased amendments and diversions have caused an increase in data entry and customer service contact for the Court Clerks.  There has also been a 20-30% increase in 30-day notices, Driver’s License suspensions, and warrants. 

     The number of actual trials has increased during recent months as well.  During the first 2 months of 2004, there have been 22 trials, compared to 12 during the same timeframe in 2003.  Increased trials affect the time spent by the Judge, Court Clerk and Prosecutor.  

     Let me know if I can provide any further information.

Thanks, Vicki