Lassen Superior Court has announced that, in an ongoing effort to increase access to justice, Lassen County has become the newest California court to begin using an online tool called MyCitations, an option for people struggling to pay fines related to infractions.
According to the court, in October, 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice “Price of Justice Initiative” grant, was awarded to the Judicial Council of California and grant funds were used for development and implementation of the new tool.
Lassen County is the latest court to offer the website, which assists a defendant, a designee of the defendant or the attorney of a defendant with an infraction violation
The tool allows court users to look up citations online, answer a series of simple questions and submit a request to the court for a possible reduction in the amount owed, based on their financial situation.
Users can also request a payment plan, more time to pay, or community service.
“This new option saves both time and resources and allows the public to make requests without the need to appear in court,” according to information from the court.
“Prior to the implementation of this tool, only those that had previously made arrangements with the court would be eligible.”