District court amnesty month begins Monday
Garland County District Court is giving some grace to those who owe it money or an appearance.
Beginning Monday, people with active warrants for failing to appear or nonpayment of fines and fees can clear their warrants without going to jail or posting a professional bond. The amnesty period runs through April 13 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the County Courts Building, 607 Ouachita Ave.
Failing to appear usually results in a suspended driver’s license, putting those whom the court has placed holds on in jeopardy of arrest every time they get behind the wheel. People who pay the full balance of their outstanding obligation will get a 20% discount and any holds on their license lifted.
“If you have any hope of getting your license reinstated, you have to appear and answer so that hold can get lifted with the Office of Driver Control,” Division 2 District Judge Meredith Switzer said. “That’s like a black cloud following people around every single time they get in the car.”
People who can’t pay the full balance will get a new court date or payment plan. Switzer said showing good faith goes a long way with the court.
“I’m hoping people are starting to understand if they report and show up and be accountable for what their balance is and be accountable for their charges, we’ll work with them,” she said.
“I tell people if you show up and you’re making an effort, if some months you’re short, chances are I’m going to work with you. If you don’t show up I’m going to assume you’re not willing to be held accountable.”
Division 1 Judge Joe Graham said community service is an option for those who can’t pay. The court deducts
$100 from an outstanding balance for every day of community service. Two-for-one credits will be issued for helping the city clean up after its St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Restitution, probation and public defender fees and the $10 the court assesses monthly on unpaid balances aren’t eligible for community service.
“They show up at 6:45 a.m. and work until about noon,” Graham said. “You’re talking about five, six hours of work for $100 off. If I got tickets before this court I’d probably want to do the community service and keep my money. We try to advertise that to everyone.”
A $50 amnesty fee is required in lieu of bond.
“It’s a sign of good faith,” Switzer said “We don’t take you into custody. We don’t make you post a professional bond. It will go toward an outstanding balance if you have one. It will go toward fines and costs that you may be assessed if you’re found guilty or you enter a plea. If you’re found not guilty, we give it back to you.
“There’s no risk of loss there, and you’re able to get an outstanding issue taken care of for less than you would’ve otherwise.”
Graham said good faith the court has shown during previous amnesty months should put people at ease about its intentions.
“There’s still going to be some people who are hesitant,” he said. “All we can do is stick to our word and hope word gets around this isn’t a trick to get people arrested. Hopefully, most of that was taken care of when we handled the first few amnesty programs we’ve done. They could see we were serious about not arresting people.”