The first homeless court was established in San Diego, California.The idea behind homeless courts is to provide resources to lift up members of the homeless population by allowing them to work off fines with community service and approved agencies.Only a case manager can refer you to homeless court.By working with a local agency, you can get a referral to homeless court, take care of municipal citations, and eliminate legal barriers that are keeping you from finding work or living a productive life.
Step 1: You can find an agency near you.
If you want to get a referral to homeless court, you need to work with an agency that is approved by your city or county court system.An approved agency can point you to an organization dedicated to helping the homeless.A list of agencies that are approved to refer people to homeless court can be found in your municipal court.You may be nervous about asking in the courthouse.It may be difficult to get a hold of someone who can help you, as the public defender's office has information about homeless court.Information about the agencies approved for homeless court referrals can be found on the websites of most of the court offices.
Step 2: Speak to the case manager.
You will meet with the staff member assigned to work with you as your case manager once you've found an agency that can meet your needs.The agency's policies and procedures will be explained by them.If you walk into the agency, you can get a case manager.You will need to complete an intake form before you can register.To begin a case file with the agency, explain to the staff member with whom you first speak that you are interested in homeless court.
Step 3: Information about your situation can be provided.
The case manager may have forms for you to fill out.Your case manager will determine what resources are available for you based on the information you've provided.The case manager will talk to you about challenges and services that can help you.If you are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, the agency may be able to help.You can use the job training and education programs that the agency has.Your eligibility for homeless court will be affected by your participation in these programs, so keep that in mind.
Step 4: Find out if there is a warrant for your arrest.
If you don't show up for hearings, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest.If there is a warrant, you may not be able to participate in some of the agency's programs.The affect of having a warrant depends on where you live.Unless a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you can't participate in the homeless court program.If there is a warrant for your arrest, other areas don't allow you to participate in the homeless court program through an agency.You have to go through the public defender's office to use the homeless court program.Even if there is a warrant, it is still a good idea to stick with your case manager and take advantage of the services they offer.
Step 5: Transition services should be initiated.
If you want to participate in homeless court proceedings, you need to be working with the agency for at least 90 days.It's important that you keep all your schedules and appointments related to the programs you participate in.You need to keep in touch with your case manager.He or she will keep an eye on your progress and alert you to any changes you might be eligible for.Depending on the rules of the agency, your case manager can monitor your progress if you don't complete certain forms.
Step 6: Ask your case manager about the court.
Information about homeless court can be given to your case manager.They will show you how to get your case moved to the homeless court.It's a good idea to let your case manager know that you're interested in homeless court.You can't be considered for homeless court until your case manager establishes a file for you and you've been working with the agency for at least 90 days.While most homeless courts are based on the first program of its kind, their initial procedures vary widely to reflect the needs and interests of different localities.
Step 7: Provide your case manager with information about your citations.
If the municipal citations or other charges against you are the type of violations that can be handled through the homeless court, your case manager will need to look up the citations.You need at least one citation or reference number to be eligible for homeless court.If you want to handle it through the homeless court process, you have to include every citation.If you have lost any paperwork or notices, your case manager should be able to help you find them.Running a name search through police or court records can be used to find the appropriate reference numbers.
Step 8: You can find out if you meet eligibility requirements.
You still need to meet eligibility requirements if your violations can be handled through the homeless court.Most homeless courts have the same basic requirements.If you have a felony conviction on your record, you can't participate in homeless court.Those with violent felonies are excluded.If you meet the eligibility requirement, your case manager will complete a criminal background check.According to your city or county's definition, you must be homeless.Your case manager will discuss this with you.
Step 9: Work with the public defender's office.
All violations can't be dealt with by the homeless court.If you have charges that are outside the jurisdiction of the homeless court, you may be referred to the public defender's office.Most homeless courts only deal with municipal issues.If the infraction is non-violent, some homeless court programs will handle it.You have to work with the public defender's office.
Step 10: You can read through the forms.
If you're eligible to participate in the homeless court program, there will be an application form that you must complete and submit along with a referral letter from your case manager.The forms will be given to your case manager.If you don't understand something, ask questions.Make sure you're clear on the information you need to give for each part of the form before you complete it.As a result of the programs you've participated in through the agency, you may be required to submit work logs and other reports.
Step 11: You need to fill out a form.
If you become confused, your case manager may be able to help you, but the homeless court requires you to complete and sign your application yourself.You'll enter the address and phone number of the agency if your case manager serves as contact.It's important to include all names you've used, whether legally or casually.You must sign and date the form after you've completed it.Your case manager is required to witness your signature and sign the form.You may be required to have your signature witnessed by a public official.If this is a requirement in your city or county, your case manager will let you know.
Step 12: You can submit your forms to your case manager.
Your case manager will usually submit your application along with the official letter of referral to the homeless court.You should keep a copy of these documents for your records.A formal interview with your case manager or another agency representative is required to certify your works hours and program participation.If you don't have a place to keep it, your case manager will make several copies and keep one for you.While you wait to hear back from the homeless court, you must continue to participate in any ongoing programs.If you keep in touch with your case manager, they will be able to update you on the status of your application as soon as possible.
Step 13: Find out when your hearing is.
The homeless courts only have a limited number of hearings each month.When your hearing is scheduled, the court usually doesn't tell your case manager.Your case manager isn't usually required to attend your hearing, but you probably want them with you.At the hearing, the judge will ask you questions about your work and participation in the agency's programs.If you have met all requirements, your citations will be dismissed.As a result of your actions, legal impediments will be removed.If you were previously unable to get a driver's license, you will be able to do so after your infractions are dismissed.