Amnesty program now under way

DeSoto County Justice Court’s annual amnesty program, which allows people with old misdemeanor warrants to clear them by paying their fines, is under way.

From Sept. 2-16, defendants with warrants can come to Justice Court on U.S. 51 in Southaven to pay their fines in full or they can pay the fines by phone with a credit card. Once a fine is paid, the arrest warrant will be canceled.

If the fines cannot be paid in full, a defendant with a misdemeanor warrant for contempt of court to traffic violations can come to court on Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again on Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon.

A judge will hear each case and decide if payment arrangements can be scheduled to clear up the warrant.

If a defendant whose driver’s license has been suspended due to an outstanding fine pays in full, the court clerk will forward the notice of compliance to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

This year, the court sent out 806 letters, and 200 were returned undeliverable, Justice Court Judge Ken Adams said.

For more information on Justice Court’s amnesty program or to make a payment, call 662-469-8026.

Fines can be paid by cash, money order, debit or credit card at Justice Court at 8525 U. S. 51 in Southaven from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Full payments can also be made online at desotocotix.com.