Court Reminders
What they are
Simple text messages, as well as emails, calls, or mailers, sent before someone’s court date to remind them when and where to appear, or after a missed hearing to help them return to court
Why they work
People forget appointments because life is busy
Messages at the right time dramatically increase appearance rates
A low-cost alternative to rescheduling hearings, issuing warrants, and processing arrests
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Send multiple reminders before the court date (seven, three, and one day before for text messages)
Include date, time, location, and consequences of missing
Use plain language and friendly tone, prompt to make a plan, include name for relevance, and identify typical outcomes (i.e. continuances or fines with 60 days to pay)
Make it easy to act by offering live help and sharing relevant tips for your court, directions, and any support options like transportation or childcare
Translate into relevant languages
Send a message when hearings are missed to clarify how to cure it, clear any issued warrant, and assure “no arrest”
