Criminal Collections Overview:

1. Criminal Collections Overview: Tarrant County Presented by: Jason Peters Assistant Manager Civil/Collections

2. Quick Synopsis of Tarrant County • Population: 1.8 million • Approximate size: 902 sq. mi • Largest City and County Seat: Fort Worth • Criminal Courts served by County Clerk’s Office: 10 • Number of County Clerk Employees: 142 • Number of employees dedicated to collections: 6

3. We are one of the 62 Counties and 29 Cities that are part of the state mandated Collection Improvement Program (article 103.0033 CCP). This program is overseen by the Office of Court Administration (OCA). The Collection Improvement Program began over a decade ago as a voluntary model. In 2005, the 79th Texas Legislature recognized the importance of expanding the collection of court-ordered payments by adding Article 103.0033 to the Code of Criminal Procedure. This statute requires cities with a population of 100,000 or more, and counties with a population of 50,000 or more, to implement a collection improvement program based on OCA's model. Population is based on the most recent federal decennial census. From http://www.courts.state.tx.us/oca/collections/collections.asp

4. “A fine is not a punishment unless it is paid” This is the mantra that OCA and Tarrant County live by. There is no use imposing a fine that the County has no intention of collecting or that the defendant does not have the ability to pay. Steps in the collection process: Encourage payment on the day of sentencing. If defendant unable to pay on the day of sentencing, they must fill out a financial application. Set up a pay plan that the defendant can afford but that also conforms to established office procedures. Notify defendants upon delinquency. Notify defendant upon issuance of a capias. Keep accurate records of all previous steps.

5. Courtesy of OCA

6. Collection Tools Utilized by Tarrant County IT generated reports that allow for tracking the payment/delinquency of all cases. An IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system to automatically contact defendants upon delinquency and the issuance of a capias. Also allows defendants to call in to inquire on balances and payment options. Automatic mailing of notices upon delinquency and also upon the issuance of a capias. Issuance of a capias when delinquency has reached limit set by court. Use of Omnibase services. This service allows a government entity to place a hold on the renewal of an individual’s driver’s license until they have paid in full. Use of Certified Payments service to accept online and phone payments by use of a credit card.

7. OCA – An invaluable tool! • Help with collection office setup • Hosts regional training seminars on collections • Help with collection audits • Aides in collection and formulating of data • Provides links to various statutes and legislative updates • For more information: http://www.courts.state.tx.us/oca/collections/collections.asp Monthly Trends graph from generated from OCA repot

8. Annual Expense and Revenue report, generated through OCA reporting website

9. Remember, fines and court costs are not a bill. They are the enforcement of a court order. Increasing your collection rate can increase your revenue and budget. Questions? Contact: Jason Peters Jpeters@tarrantcounty.com 817-884-2748