Minnehaha County court transforms Fourth Floor into additional courtroom amid rising caseloads

The Minnehaha County Commission meeting on May 20, 2025, highlighted significant developments in the county's judicial system, particularly regarding infrastructure and staffing challenges. The discussions centered around ongoing construction projects aimed at accommodating the growing demands of the court system, as well as the evolving nature of crime in the region.

One of the key topics was the conversion of existing courthouse spaces to better serve the judicial needs. The Fourth Floor law library is being transformed into an additional courtroom, while two court reporter offices will become judicial chambers. This reconfiguration is expected to alleviate some of the pressure from increasing caseloads, which have prompted the need for more courtroom space. Additionally, the juvenile justice center is set to move into a new facility, which will include a dedicated juvenile courtroom and judge's office, reflecting a proactive approach to managing juvenile cases.

Budget discussions for 2026 revealed minor adjustments, primarily focusing on increasing funding for court-appointed attorney fees. The court system is also undertaking a significant records project aimed at digitizing documents and reducing physical storage needs, which could enhance efficiency in case management.

Commissioners raised concerns about the recent dip in both civil and criminal cases, with some speculating that it may be linked to changing law enforcement priorities rather than the lingering effects of COVID-19. The complexity of crimes has also been a topic of interest, with judges noting an increase in violent crimes, particularly those related to drug use. Methamphetamine remains the most prevalent drug involved in cases, although fentanyl is also becoming a growing concern.

The State's Attorney's Office, represented by Daniel Hager, reported on staffing challenges and the impact of turnover on case management. Despite these hurdles, the office has seen a rise in misdemeanor filings, which has shifted the focus of prosecution efforts. Hager emphasized the importance of recruiting and training new attorneys, highlighting innovative programs designed to attract law students to public service roles within the office.

The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of Minnehaha County to adapt its judicial infrastructure and staffing to meet the evolving needs of its community. As the county prepares for future challenges, including potential increases in juvenile cases and violent crime, the commission's proactive measures aim to ensure that the judicial system remains effective and responsive to public safety concerns.