For a sixth year the official court reporters of Maricopa County recently participated in the annual StandDown event in January. What’s that? You’re not familiar with this event?

Allow me to explain!

This event provides veterans a vast array of services from dental care, vision exams, haircuts, housing assistance, and court services, which is where these awesome court reporters of Maricopa County come in.

Veterans can get their court matters taken care of, and most of the time their fines and fees are either waived, drastically reduced, or converted into community service, which is available right there at the event so that it’s a one-stop-shop.  Sometimes that’s all it takes to help a person get a fresh start and move forward without the concern of fines and fees looming that they can’t seem to get out from under.

Veterans will occasionally find themselves out of compliance with the court.  Studies have shown that, because of their military training, most veterans will complete their obligations with court, once they are given the opportunity to correct their non-compliance.

It is fast-paced, and there’s likely no break during each shift, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences our court reporters will ever have in their career.  Those that have participated in the past all say the same thing: This is a wonderful and fulfilling way to do some community service and help out our Veterans right here in our own communities.

When this began four years ago, the organizers contemplated using a recording device, and the Maricopa County official court reporters said ABSOLUTELY NOT and provided the reporting services then and have every year since.  There’s no way they would have been able to record the proceedings, but the Maricopa County court reporters weren’t about to give them a chance to try.

The event was held on Thursday, January 28, through Saturday, January 30, with makeshift courtrooms at the Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum at 15th Avenue and McDowell. It was huge success, and several Maricopa County official court reporters participated. All makeshift courtrooms were staffed with a court reporter, and every veteran who needed assistance received it.

Well, done Maricopa County Superior Court Officials!

Thanks to Kate Roundy, representing freelance reporters, and thanks to all the Superior Court Officials who participated in the Meet and Greet for Students.  It was great to see a nice student turnout.

Check your tickets!!

Red Raffle Ticket No,. 1098838 is the winner of a Certificate for $25 off next year’s ACRA dues.

Please email office@acraonline.org to claim your prize.

Yes, friends, ACRA put on its Annual Convention, A Celebration of Success: 65 Years of Pride and Performance, in the heart of Scottsdale! It was a rousing weekend of informative speakers, amazing networking, heartfelt friendship and fun! I want to thank everyone who attended, participated, pitched in, and gave feedback. It was our first big event under new management, and we learned a lot along the way. I appreciate your patience as we get valuable practice and experience.

I am grateful for your evaluations. I am grateful for your suggestions. ACRA doesn’t just happen. It is a living creation on an ongoing basis. Your input helps us create it. And we intend to keep improving our great association to serve you better!

Watch for a more developed recap here soon. But for now, please be assured your Board and management team are doing our absolute best to deliver value and service to you and our great Association. Feel free to contact me or any member of the Board with concerns or suggestions or praise. Every member counts.

Have a great day!

Mike Bouley

ACRA is proud to present the
FIRST ANNUAL JIM BOULEY MEMORIAL SPEED CONTEST
Dictated by Mark Kislingbury and Eileen Beltz

September 11th, 2015 • 1-5pm • The Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort

For more information CLICK HERE.
 

Test Day. You studied while others were sleeping; you worked while others were loafing; you prepared while others were playing; and you dreamed while others were wishing.

TODAY IS YOUR DAY.

Stay calm and focused. You already write faster than you even know. Good luck!

BREAKING NEWS IN NEVADA!

SB 131 HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR AND WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE 10-1-15!

SB131 increases the compensation for court reporters working in the courts. Their rate of pay had not been increased for 10 years, this increase attempts to bring that compensation up to a wage commensurate with their education, training, experience, and dedication to making and producing a record. Passage of this bill is in the best interests of all reporters working in Nevada and the profession as a whole.

This is your membership dues at work! If you’re not a member, we would ask that you reconsider joining with your fellow reporters so that we can continue working on behalf of the entire court reporting profession.

– See more at: http://www.nvcra.org/#sthash.4NYQwsrj.dpuf

ACRA is celebrating its 65th Anniversary this year!

Winner of the Visa Raffle was Julianne Roesly – Congratulations!

2015 Distinguished Service Award nominations are now being accepted. The deadline is May 15, 2015.