The event is designed to provide a convenient way for those with warrants to settle their cases, as well as reduce the number of active misdemeanor warrants in the court system, says Presiding Judge Mary Logan.

“Resolving these outstanding cases is good for the court and good for the customer,” says Judge Logan. “With WarrantFest, we are once again focusing on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the court.”

Anyone with an active misdemeanor warrant with the Municipal Court can appear in Courtroom “C” in the Superior Court Annex of the Spokane County Courthouse between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to talk to a judge about his or her warrant. Cases will be handled on a first-come, first-serve basis; no specific court date or time is needed.

Attorneys from the City’s Public Defender’s Office will be available to assist those with warrants, and staff from the City’s Probation Department will assist people with applying for representation from the Public Defender.

Since launching operations just after the first of the year, the City of Spokane’s new Municipal Court has had a sharp focus on efficient use of time and resources.

The court has established a master calendaring system that’s designed to speed case resolution, reduce jail costs, and create other efficiencies. Police officers now include an arraignment date on misdemeanor citations when they are written also to speed up case resolution. Saturday court dates will begin in December, and the Court also is looking into sentencing alternatives and other cost-saving measures.

Municipal Court adjudicates misdemeanor charges. By state law, the City is responsible to provide for the adjudication and sentencing of these crimes committed by adults within the City limits.