Amnesty program can reduce amount of outstanding fines

An amnesty program for District Court fines has been announced, which is now in effect and will end April 30. The program can help people reduce the amount of outstanding fines and costs that are more than a year old.

The announcement was made by St. Francis County District Judge Steve Routon.

“This was done once before, around 2006, and it was successful back then,” said Routon. “So we thought we’d try it again.”

During the amnesty period, people who have outstanding fines and court costs owed to the city or county and currently have a non-payment warrant issued for their arrest, may go to the St. Francis County District Court Clerk’s office to pay the account.

The amnesty program works as follows:

• A person will be required to pay 75 percent of their outstanding fines and court costs which are over 12 months old. Any warrant fees will be waived/dismissed.

• A person taking advantage of the amnesty program will not be arrested for non-payment of these old fines, and any non-payment warrant will be pulled and dismissed.

• In the case of a suspended driver’s license, a suspension release form will be given, to take to Driver Control.

• Those taking part in the program will not be required to appear in District Court.

• A person’s income tax refund will not be intercepted.

Routon said it’s hoped that people will see the potential gain in taking advantage of the amnesty program for these old fines.

“People have an interest in paying their back fines,” he said. “Because, they have a warrant issued for their arrest. They can be arrested at any time. Number two, they have a suspended driver’s license. Under Arkansas law, non-payment of fines triggers an automatic suspension. It makes it hard to get a job if you have an outstanding warrant and a suspended driver’s license.”

He said one reason for having the amnesty period during this time of year is that some people do have lump sums from income tax returns that can help pay off the fines.

“The thought behind this is that it is better to collect 75 percent than none of it, and that’s why we’re offering reduced payments,” said Routon.

Those wishing to take advantage of the program should contact the St. Francis County District Court Clerk’s office, at 870-261-1410 to inquire about their balance and to see if they qualify for the program.

According to a press release, and confirmed by Routon, more than $1.3 million is owed to the city, county and state for outstanding fines and court costs.

“That’s a lot of money, and we’re just trying to get some of it back and give people a chance to clear their records,” said Routon.