City opens new satellite court room

The City of San Antonio opened a new satellite court room today at the Valley View Community Link Center, located at 8523 Blanco Road, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Now individuals with a city-issued traffic citation have more choices when needing to appear before a live judge without having to travel downtown.

Judge Linda Conley will hear cases Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are not necessary and the judge will be available to hear requests for payment arrangements and non-contested issues for individuals wanting to request defensive driving or probation. Individuals can also resolve simple "proof" issues such as proof of insurance, proof of inspection and/or registration renewal.

"Setting up a court room at a Community Link Center gives anyone having to take care of a city-issued traffic violation more accessibility to Municipal Court services," said Presiding Judge John Bull. "By using existing employees and adding a whole new level of service, we are maximizing investments the City has already made with minimal changes."

In addition, individuals visiting the Valley View Community Link Center will also be able to pay on an existing payment arrangements instead of paying the fine in full.

"Getting a traffic citation may not be a pleasant experience, but by partnering with Municipal Court, we are continuing to find ways to make it easier to provide excellent customer service, choices and accessibility," said Tony Bosmans, director of Customer Service/311.

To be eligible for the satellite court program, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Have received a parking/traffic ticket citation from a San Antonio Police Officer;
• Intend to plead GUILTY or NOLO CONTENDRE
• Not be represented by an attorney;
• Must be the person named on the citation; and
• Be prepared to pay fees/fines as dictated by the Judge

If an individual pleads "not guilty;" is represented by an attorney; or has received a non-traffic citation, they must visit Municipal Court, located at 401 S. Frio, to resolve their fine.

Last summer, the City launched the Video Court pilot program at the Oak Ridge Community Link Center where individuals would appear before a judge through the use of a live video feed. To date, 2,986 cases have been processed through the program. City officials hope having a live judge at Valley View will return the same success. For more information, 207-6157