Dramatic Cuts in Calif. Lead to Closure of 7 Courthouses in Fresno County
State-wide budget belt tightening in California will mean the closing of courthouses throughout the state. But the Los Angeles Times notes that Fresno County may be hardest hit, with seven courthouses slated to close.
The state’s Judicial Branch is being forced to cut $544 million in the 2012-12 fiscal cycle. That’s after four years of budget cuts.
In addition to layoffs adding to the state’s unemployment, the Times points out that the closures mean there will be “longer waits to file cases, pay fines, get information from court clerks, resolve divorce, custody, small claims and other civil matters, and obtain restraining orders.”
Courts in California are also cutting back hours, closing courtrooms and raising fees.
While the Fresno court closures will save that county some $500,000 annually, costs are expected to increase for police departments, prisons and the Highway Patrol because of the extra commute miles and fuel, the Times reports.
“It is sad because it will certainly delay justice for many, and it will deny justice for some,” Gary Hoff, the Fresno County Superior Court presiding judge, is quoted saying.
