Oklahoma City Municipal Court has partnered with Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C., and the Homeless Alliance to help residents experiencing homelessness clear their outstanding municipal citations and fines.
A primary program goal is to remove barriers created by outstanding citations and fines and make it easier for people experiencing homelessness to secure housing, employment and other assistance.
The Community Court Program launched administratively in October 2020, conducting court virtually. Beginning July 2022, court will be conducted in-person for the first time at the Homeless Alliance Day Shelter, a location that’s more accessible and less intimidating than the municipal courthouse. Presiding Judge Philippa C. James will preside over court quarterly.
Participation is voluntary. Individuals participating in the program are represented by Aimee Majoue, an attorney with Crowe & Dunlevy. Participants are encouraged to work with treatment providers and case managers. For those who successfully complete the program, the City may dismiss the case and suspend all fines and costs.
“Working with Aimee Majoue and other service providers has been immeasurable for our clientele,” said Presiding Judge Philippa C. James.
“This model has proven successful around the country,” said Councilman Mark Stonecipher, chair of the City’s Judiciary Committee. One ticket often turns into a missed court date leading to a warrant for arrest, which can be scary and life altering. We want to do our part to help people who are experiencing homelessness move towards self-sufficiency.”
“Watching people’s lives transform in this program tells me that our City is truly invested in its people,” said Aimee Majoue, attorney with Crowe and Dunlevy. “I have watched numerous individuals who were floating in and out of jail, on and off their medications, and down on their ‘luck’ embrace this opportunity and exit the program with housing, a job and reconnections with family members. Community Court provides our neighbors an avenue to become more fully active members of our community.”
“[Community Court] has removed tremendous barriers for clients that are experiencing homelessness, as well as being entangled in the criminal justice system,” said Bailey Warren, the Misdemeanor Diversion Program Supervisor with the Oklahoma Diversion Hub. “The fact that this court acknowledges the struggles of the clients it is serving while working closely with community partners is incredible and innovative. The Diversion Hub is thankful to partner with this program!”
If you have a case with Oklahoma City Municipal Court, contact our Community Outreach Program at (405) 297-3267 to see if your case is eligible for the program. People who appear in-person to address their case will not be put in jail.
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Media Contact
Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550
kristy.yager@okc.gov
