Circuit Court Judiciary COUNTY MANAGER’S PROPOSED FY 2020 BUDGET County Board Work Session March 27, 2019
Department Overview • The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction, and the highest court in Arlington County for both civil and criminal cases. • In February 2019, the Virginia General Assembly voted to fill the fourth judicial seat. The fourth judge will join the bench in July 2019. 1 Circuit Court Judiciary
Department Overview • The Circuit Court has appellate jurisdiction over all cases from the General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. • The judges preside over criminal and civil matters, including motions, evidentiary hearings, non-jury trials, jury trials, criminal dispositions, and sentencing. • Court personnel are responsible for reviewing and approving court orders, maintaining daily court dockets, conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda as required by the judges, reviewing and managing statistical information, and administering court programs. • Judges heavily rely on staff to review, research and process cases in the best interest of justice and court administration under the Model Time Standards. 2 Circuit Court Judiciary
Department Overview • The Drug Treatment Court services adult defendants in the Circuit Court. All participants attend weekly substance abuse treatment sessions and are held accountable through intense supervision and monitoring as well as weekly court appearances. • Reduced incarceration provides direct savings to the County in jail days saved. • Effective supervision in the community and improved coordination between agencies have reduced duplication of effort, provided great efficiencies and results in overall costs savings for all stakeholders. 3 Circuit Court Judiciary
Summary of Proposed Budget Changes % FY 2019 FY 2020 Change Change Adopted Proposed $1,199,001 $1,337,061 +$138,060 +11.51% Expenses Revenue $45,378 $50,950 +$5,572 +12.28% 10.30 FTEs 11.30 FTEs +1.0 FTE +9.71% Staff • Expense increases due to the addition of 1.0 FTE to support the fourth judge, plus the addition of one-time and ongoing funding for operating expenses to support the new positions. • Revenue increases due to increased projections in Falls Church reimbursements. 4 Circuit Court Judiciary
Key Budget Considerations • Ensure ongoing funding for annual judicial and staff trainings. • Increased staffing needs due to appointment of fourth judge. • Work to identify appropriate candidates and increase total capacity in the Drug Court Program. • Continue to work to provide effective communication and coordination between agencies that work with offenders. • Continue to seek out ways to provide services to those individuals involved with the Arlington County Circuit Court who are not residents of the County. 5 Circuit Court Judiciary
Circuit Court Judiciary COUNTY MANAGER’S PROPOSED FY 2020 BUDGET County Board Work Session March 27, 2019
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