Accessibility, understanding key to Municipal Court.

Byline: Erika Strebel, erika.strebel@wislawjournal.com

Two years ago, the Milwaukee Municipal Court first organized Warrant Withdrawal Wednesdays, setting three Wednesdays aside for dealing with warrants, driver's license suspensions and vehicle-registration denials without requiring the immediate payment of fines.

The event, a brainchild of Judge Valarie Hill, was a hit.

The court saw about 2,400 people, 45 percent of whom had never before appeared in front of a judge in their cases.

"It was craziness but there was a great need and a great response to the idea," said Chief Court Administrator Sheldyn Himle.

The court held a similar event in May 2017, this time inviting employers and taking the event on the road to Milwaukee's northwest side.

Warrant Withdrawal Wednesdays is just one way the court is striving to promote diversity.

For example, Judge Derek Mosley tries to set a good example by dressing in his judicial robes and visiting schools around the city. Hill regularly takes part in organizations that are dedicated to helping young girls. Judge Phillip Chavez recently earned recognition for spending a decade volunteering with an organization that helps homeless veterans.

In conducting its business, the court strives to make its procedures understandable and open to as many people as...