The Superior Court of Santa Cruz County has introduced a new automated system for anyone wanting to receive text message reminders about future hearings and financial payment due dates, as well as to remind jurors about their jury service responsibility.
Using a grant from the California Judicial Council, the court introduced the system late last year and expanded its use earlier this year. Court officials hope the system will aid people in remembering important court related obligations and prevent people from missing their hearings.
“The use of this technology is crucial in this day and age where people expect the ability to use their personal devices to help manage their personal obligations and we are excited to make this service available to members of our community,” said Superior Court Executive Officer Alex Calvo.
Using the system is easy for those looking to receive reminder text messages for their next hearing date and only requires that they text their case number to a designated phone number: (831) 208-5170.
The system will also provide notifications about financial due dates for anyone with a payment plan for paying a fine—if a person texts their case or citation number to the designated phone number.
Confidential cases are excluded from the system ━ individuals will not receive notifications about those cases.
Jurors who elect to receive reminder notifications, on the other hand, would do so after receiving their jury summons or when they call the court to check for their reporting instructions.
They would send a text with their assigned group number, which is found on their jury summons, to (831) 900-4445 or they can sign up when contacting the court to receive jury service reporting instructions, either using the court’s automated phone or web attendant.
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For questions, contact the Superior Court at 831-420-2332 or email [email protected]