The Michigan State Court Administrative Office announced Monday it will distribute $1 million in grant awards to 12 district courts across the state to create new programs helping defendants resolve outstanding legal and financial obligations to regain driving privileges.
The Operation Drive programs will work collaboratively with defendants toward regaining driving privileges so individuals can more easily access resources for getting to work and support families, according to Michigan Supreme Court Justice Megan Cavanagh.
Among the courts receiving awards are the 98th District Court of Ontonagon and the 95B District Court of Dickinson County. Each court will establish its own Operation Drive program in accordance with program guidelines. The initiative focuses on defendants with minor offenses and offers support for resolving tickets, warrants and fines. The grants will fund personnel and tools needed to operate the programs.
Operation Drive is modeled after a 2016 program launched by the Royal Oak 44th District Court under Judge Derek Meinecke. More information about Operation Drive is available online through the Michigan State Court Administrative Office.
