log 5

May 20, 2002

This morning was a typical Monday and relatively busy, compared to my first day on Senior Project. I think we had about 9 people in jail who had to be arraigned on top of the other arraignments. I went back to sitting in the jury box, although Nancy wanted me with the bailiffs today. Finally I was able to be a little helpful in the courtroom. Normally there are volunteers who come in to run things from the courtroom to the clerk’s office. Today, however, I got the job. Basically, if there is a plea of guilty or no contest, and there is no probation involved, the paperwork must go from the court room to a basket on the front counter of the clerk’s office. From there they process the pleas and sentences. Not guilty pleas go to Sarellen when she schedules the pre-trials.

After court I went back with the bailiffs, and Don showed me where to file things within their office. They file things alphabetically as opposed to by case number. It’s amazing how many cars are immobilized everyday; it’s amazing how long cars stay immobilized as well. I watched them enter data into their computer database regarding cars, their owners, the driver, and where the vehicle was being held. They then call one of three towing companies where the cars are held to confirm the courts decisions. The companies must then remove the license plates for the court to pick up later.

I went out to lunch with Don, Ron C, Ron G, Marty, and Charlie. Afterward we went back to their office.

As cars are allowed to be released (depending on how long they were supposed to be immobilized), people come to the court and have to pay a $100 immobilization fee. They must show a valid license and proof of insurance, then are given their license plates and the key to their Club. (They must return the Club and key within 24 hours.) The bailiffs have to go stamp and sign “release” on the cases as well, which are usually being held at the police station next door. After the people have their plates, they also have to pay the tow company. Usually they charge around $10 a day for storage, so it can add up. At any rate, I helped Don by running the plates up to the window for the clerks to hand out, as well as filing the paperwork in a different “released” cabinet.

During the afternoon, we were sometimes back in the courtroom for follow-ups on people on probation as well as more arraignments.

8:00am – 11:30am 1:00pm – 4:00pm 6.5 hours