Dearborn Residents Can Now Settle Tickets Online

DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn is joining dozens of other cities in the region that make dealing with traffic tickets easier.

The 19th District Court launched a new online resolution system that provides locals with an opportunity to settle traffic tickets 24/7 using their smartphone, tablet or computer.

“We recognize that taking time from work, school or other obligations to wait in line at the courthouse can be frustrating,” said Chief Judge Gene Hunt. "The Court’s dedication to automated enhancements will help the Dearborn Court continue to be effective and efficient in court operations while enabling better public access."

In addition to making payments online, citizens who receive traffic civil infractions in Dearborn and meet eligibility criteria can now contest tickets from the convenience of their home or location of their choosing without ever having to appear at the courthouse.

The online platform, called MatterhornTM, walks individuals through a series of qualifying questions and allows them to submit their position online as if they were speaking in court. A law enforcement officer then reviews their case. From there, a magistrate determines next steps, including assessing fines that a litigant can pay online. Throughout the process, litigants receive emails and text messages updating them on the status of their case.

Court Innovations Inc., an Ann Arbor-based software company that originated in the University of Michigan Law School, developed the Matterhorn platform.

“Dearborn’s judicial system is taking a big step forward by adopting technology that makes it fast and simple for people to have their voice heard and for justice to be served,” said Court Innovations CEO MJ Cartwright. “Across the board, when courts adopt Matterhorn, the time for a case to be resolved drops dramatically, and citizen satisfaction with the courts improves significantly.”

Dearborn is one of 27 district courts across Michigan offering this online option.

Motorists who have recently received a civil traffic infraction violation in Dearborn can visit www.courtinnovations.com/MID19 to resolve the matter online.