The convening was co-led by GJP and national behavioral science nonprofit ideas42 and featured closing remarks from Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin. Together, participants examined how simple, evidence-based interventions—such as redesigning court notices and sending text message reminders—can significantly reduce Failure to Appear rates.

Each year in Georgia, more than 105,000 driver’s licenses are suspended because individuals miss their court date. Research shows that many of these missed appearances stem from forgetting the date, confusion about instructions, or competing life responsibilities. These seemingly small mistakes can lead to warrants, job loss, and major disruptions for individuals and families.

During the session, ideas42 shared data demonstrating that updated court notices and automated text reminders can reduce Failure to Appear rates by 36 percent. For the state, this translates into potentially saving tens of millions of dollars annually. For communities, it means fewer disruptions, fewer arrests, and greater access to justice.

The convening also featured local leaders who have already begun implementing improved court noticing systems. Speakers included Judge Ryan Hope of Athens-Clarke County State Court; Court Services Director Nate Mingo of the City of Riverdale Municipal Court; Clerk Charlie Lavelle of the City of Cleveland Municipal Court; and staff from the Judicial Council of Georgia/Administrative Office of the Courts, who shared updates on a new statewide Case Management System that will include built-in text reminder capabilities.

Justice Colvin closed the event by encouraging jurisdictions throughout Georgia to adopt these practices, emphasizing that improved appearance rates strengthen courts, law enforcement, employers, families, and communities alike.

For a full summary of the event and key data points, read the press release here. 

GJP will continue working with partners across the state to expand access to behavioral-science-informed noticing systems and to support smarter, more effective justice solutions for Georgia.