The proposal to add a General Jurisdictional Court in Marshall County was considered by the Marshall County Council members on Monday morning.
Superior Court No. 2 Judge Dean Colvin discussed the severity of need and utilization statistics that warrant an additional court with the council.
Judge Colvin mentioned that the county has a pretty decent case dispositional rate, and a fourth court would provide more judicial services to those who are incarcerated and those awaiting the disposition of cases.
He added that on Jan. 1, 2020, Trial Rule 26 will be in effect.
“It’s a rule intended for the courts to address those individuals who are being held in correctional facilities to secure early release of those individuals basically on bond or on their own recognizance,” said Judge Colvin. “That plan requires that the court, through a case manager, assess each individual inmate and make a determination as to whether or not that inmate would be eligible for either a reduced bond, or release the defendant on his own recognizance.”
If the commissioners and council members give their support for the proposal, Judge Colvin would need to present the same information to those who serve on the Committee on Courts and Code at the state level who would either approve or deny the proposal. If it is approved, then it would be presented in a bill to the State Legislature for a vote. If it receives favorable support, the Governor would sign a bill and then Marshall County Superior Court No. 3 could be put into operation after July 1, 2020.
As for space to house Superior Court No. 3, Colvin said that the court would occupy the current space utilized by Marshall County Community Corrections in the courthouse with an added expense of technology upgrades and security cameras.
The county would need to put about $300,000 into the 2021 budget for an administrator, clerk, a recorder, a court baliff/receptionist for the new court which is the structure similar to Superior Court No. 1 for one year. The State would support the salary of the trial court judge.
Judge Colvin said it’s important that things get onto the docket with the state now.
Councilman Jon VanVactor noted that this is just one piece of the puzzle as county officials analyze jail space and consider ways to alleviate the overcrowding situation.
The council members unanimously approved support of the additional court and a resolution to move forward with the proposal.
The commissioners have yet to provide support for the additional court. They may discuss it during their meeting on Monday, Aug. 19.
Judge Colvin’s presentation to the county council can be heard in its entirety on Sunday, Aug. 18 at noon during the Maximum Impact program on MAX 98.3 FM.
