County Circuit Courts Begin Texting Service Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson County Circuit Courts are among the first to offer a texting service for people scheduled to appear in court. The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) is launching the new service to provide case parties with the opportunity to receive text message reminders for court hearings and changes. The goal is to improve communication with parties directly involved in the case – including defendants, petitioners, respondents, and others – and reduce instances of “failure to appear.” The change will help parties in civil and out-of-custody criminal cases avoid financial and other consequences of failing to appear, keep cases moving, and increase productivity for courts, attorneys, law enforcement and other case participants by avoiding the cost and delays of rescheduling. In a criminal case, failure to appear can result in an arrest warrant and new charges for failure to appear. In a civil case, it can lead to a default judgment or a dismissal, depending on which party fails to appear.