Orange County NC Website
22 <br /> Evaluation and Next Steps <br /> The Criminal Justice Innovation Lab was <br /> awarded a grant to execute an evaluation of <br /> the impact of these changes over the next <br /> year. The first report will be released in May <br /> 2021 <br /> The Lab will work with judge Baddour and key <br /> stakeholders to finalize a new, <br /> comprehensive Local Bail Policy <br /> Questions/Concerns <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked if Strike Order Court could be explained. <br /> Caitlin Fenhagen said this is unique to Orange County. She said it is for when a person <br /> fails to appear at court, and an order of arrest is issued. She said the person can come into <br /> court, prior to being arrested, and ask the judge to strike the order and explain why they failed <br /> to appear. She said every Thursday morning individuals can attend Strike Order Court, and do <br /> not have to appear before a judge to request it, if it is their first time failing to appear. She said <br /> those with multiple failures to appear give information to pretrial services, which is provided to <br /> the judge, and hopefully that warrants a strike order. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton commended everyone for the effort, and noted the collaboration <br /> between Commissioners, Judges and Magistrates, the University, the criminal justice resource <br /> center, etc. She said this is a model for other actions in the County. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin echoed Commissioner Hamilton's comments and praise. He <br /> asked if other states were researched in the design of this project, and if there are plans to <br /> expand the project in the future. He also asked if this work is coordinated with other projects in <br /> the County, such as the driver's license restoration project. <br /> Judge Cabe said the driver's license restoration project was brought back into <br /> discussions. She said, previously, individuals who failed to appear would be put in the 20-day <br /> pile, and the license revoked by DMV. She said this practice was determined to be harmful, <br /> despite the lack of arrest, and information is now provided with the reschedule information to <br /> those who are not facing DWI charges. She said if people miss court twice, they are still <br /> provided with restoration information when they do appear at court. <br /> Caitlin Fenhagen said this work is completely integrated, and involved in the strike court <br /> process. She said there is an intake, which identifies outstanding issues to help people. <br />