Municipal Court Appearances, Payments Expected on Time Despite Pandemic

Remote payment options avoid in-person visits to city hall

Elkins, W. Va., December 18, 2020: Although Elkins Municipal Court is following modified procedures to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, defendants must still appear in court on or before the date indicated on their citations. Persons who have established payment plans for fines and fees must also make their payments as agreed.

“Unfortunately, we have had to suspend a few driver’s licenses recently because of failure to appear,” says Michelle Metheny, the municipal court clerk. “We hate to suspend anyone’s license, but that’s the penalty in state code for missing a court date.”

The court also cannot accept concerns about the COVID-19 virus as an excuse for late payments, according to Metheny.

“We understand people are trying to reduce their face-to-face interactions because of the pandemic, but we accept payments online, by mail, and in the drop-box behind city hall,” she says. “No one needs to come inside city hall to drop off payments if they don’t want to. In fact, I would encourage everybody to use one of these remote options if possible, just to be on the safe side.”

Remote options are also available for persons needing to reach the court to request a hearing or submit pleas.

“I’m available by phone, mail, and email to help with hearing requests and pleas or just to answer any questions people might have,” says Metheny. “If you get my voice mail, please leave a message and I will get back to you no later than the next business day.”

Online payment portal: www.municipalonlinepayments.com/elkinswv

Municipal court information, including pandemic precautions: www.cityofelkinswv.com/living/public-safety/municipal-court

Court Clerk Contact Information:

Michelle L. Metheny
mmetheny@cityofelkinswv.com
Phone: (304) 635-7142
401 Davis Avenue, Elkins WV 26241

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