The Needles courthouse clerk’s office services will expand from one day a month to five days a week beginning Jan. 23, San Bernardino Superior Court announced by press release.
With a phased-in approach, residents of Needles and surrounding areas will have access to in-person court services not been fully restored since statewide budget reductions in 2009.
The expanded hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Services will include document filing, fine and fee payments and scheduling court hearings. Virtual self-help services will be available daily and in-person services will continue on a monthly basis for all court users.
The second phase will expand opportunities for litigants to appear in person for court hearings with a judicial officer presiding remotely. This is expected to be effective by March.
In the third phase, a judicial officer will be on site in Needles to hear matters.
Presiding Judge R. Glenn Yabuno said in the release that this has been a long-term goal for the court.
“Remote areas, such as Needles, present unique challenges,” he said.
