Mecklenburg County delays software update for courts because of technical issues

CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County has put plans on hold to update the technology for its courts after other counties have experienced issues with the software.

Currently, the county is using a 40-year-old system. For example, once you find a case file you need, you have to go to the courthouse to get it. This includes everything from murder cases to divorces, and even traffic tickets.

The new upgraded digital system called Odyssey is supposed to be more efficient by making information more accessible. Odyssey is designed and implemented by Tyler Technologies and used around the country.

But four other counties in North Carolina have upgraded to Odyssey and there have been problems. Multiple reports have highlighted issues, including people being locked up when they shouldn’t have.

Defense attorney George Laughrun II is worried about the system’s ability to handle the volume of cases in Mecklenburg County. He’s also worried about the lack of training on the system.

“I think what’s going to happen is it’s going to shut the court system down,” Laughrun told Channel 9′s Hunter Sáenz.

“The idea behind it is fabulous,” Laughrun said. “The problem is going to be the implementation of it, and how are you going to get everyone on board with it.”

Channel 9 learned there isn’t a new timeline for when the rollout will happen here, but everyone will get a 6-week notice.

Mecklenburg County’s Chief District Court Judge Elizabeth Trosch said the system needs to be fixed.

“There are defects that surfaced in the pilot counties that must be addressed before Odyssey can be launched in another district,” Trosch said.

North Carolina state officials have given Tyler Technologies a list of problem items that need to be addressed before the system rolls out anywhere else in the state.

Channel 9 contacted Tyler Technologies to ask about the issues with the software but they referred questions back to the state court.

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