by Daren Adkins, Daviess County Associate Circuit Judge
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by Daren Adkins, Daviess County Associate Circuit Judge
Daviess County has recently started using a new Missouri courts software program to track court cases. One of the benefits of the Judicial Information System (JIS), is that it provides a simple method to track the number and type of cases that each judge hears.
The number of cases this office handles may surprise many of you. As of May 4, 2006, just in the Associate, Probate, and Municipal Divisions in Daviess County over which I preside, we have 2,853 active cases. This total includes 86 felonies, 781 misdemeanors, and 1,783 traffic cases, 122 civil actions including small claims, landlord/tenant, and general civil, and 64 probate cases of all types. Finally, there are 17 pending adult abuse and child protection cases.
Other counties in the 43rd Circuit include DeKalb, Caldwell, Clinton, and Livingston. Of those, only Clinton maintains more open cases than we do.
The main reason for the large volume of cases in Daviess County lies with the 28 miles of I-35 dissecting our county. Another reason is the five members of the Sheriff’s Department and nine Missouri State Highway Patrolmen providing law enforcement coverage in Daviess County.
Also, Daviess County is not part of the Fine Collection Center (FCC). Therefore, all crimes charged in this county go through this office for filing, collection and/or trial. The FCC is located in Jefferson City and serves as a collection point for traffic tickets that could be taken care of by mail. Counties taking part in the FCC have their tickets sent directly to Jefferson City for filing, processing and collection. The case is not reviewed or signed by the prosecuting attorney. The case only returns to the county upon the request for a trial by the defendant.
Daviess County does not participate in this program as it removes local control from citizens. Not participating in FCC also results in more money staying here for our county budget rather than going to Jefferson City. That is why DeKalb, Caldwell and Clinton counties have no traffic tickets to process and thus fewer overall cases.
Remember that all Daviess County cases are available for you to view online at www.court.mo.gov then click on the “Casenet” link. From the opening page you can choose how you wish to search. After choosing one of the four options, you will need to scroll down and click on the “43rd Judicial Circuit” link. As always, if you have any questions about this article, anything concerning this office, or how to use CaseNet, please call me at 660-663-2532.