Judge Teresa Ballinger
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APRIL 10, 2005 - Court Assistance Fund Established
A "Court Assistance Fund" will be in effect beginning Monday (April 11) to pay for various services in assisting victims of crime.
Marion Municipal Court Judge Teresa Ballinger recently signed an order to create the fund for those crime victims who come before the court and need assistance.
Financing of the new program will be derived from court costs paid by the individuals who committed the offense. The Judge explained, "the defendant who is found guilty in a domestic violence case will be assessed court costs which will in turn finance the assistance and support services for the victim of this crime. I hope to relieve Marion City and Marion County of the burden of paying for these services."
Two additional services provided by the "Court Assistance Fund" monies will be costs of employing interpreters for the increasing persons with languages other than English and costs of supplying the court with mediators to assist in the resolution of cases.
Judge Ballinger believes that this new approach will bring consistent support and assistance to victims of crime.
For Additional Information, please call Judge Ballinger at 740-387-2020.