TL/DR –
Three district courts in Kent County, Michigan are running an amnesty program from March through April to help individuals with outstanding legal matters resolve them without incurring additional penalties. The initiative includes waivers of late fees, bench warrant fees, and show cause fees for qualifying individuals. The amnesty program applies to all misdemeanor cases, traffic tickets, and civil infractions, including those that have warrants for failure to pay; during the amnesty period, these fees will be waived upon payment in full of the original amount and the warrant will be cancelled.
“Waiving fees and warrants for smoother resolution and reconciliation with law,” says court official.
This spring, three district courts in Kent County are providing an opportunity to individuals with outstanding issues to resolve them without additional penalties for two months.
The amnesty program is available from March to April at the 61st District Court in Grand Rapids, the 62-B District Court in Kentwood, and the 63rd District Courts.
The program includes waivers of late fees, bench warrant fees, and show cause fees for qualifying individuals.
“Our aim with this amnesty program is to offer a pathway for individuals to resolve their issues without fear of extra penalties,” stated Danielle Castillo, the 63rd District Court Administrator.
The program’s objective is to invite individuals to settle their issues without incurring more penalties.
“Justice served with compassion is our top concern as judges,” stated Hon. Sara J. Smolenski. “With this initiative, we aim to balance accountability and understanding, allowing those with outstanding issues to come forward, address their issues, and progress with dignity.”
Terms of the Amnesty Program
- Individuals must call the relevant court to negotiate balances and make payments, but they must physically present to address a bench warrant.
- Eligible cases for amnesty include all misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and civil infractions, including those with failure-to-pay warrants and those assessed with late fees, show cause fees, and/or bench warrant fees.
- During amnesty, late fees, show cause fees, and warrant fees will be waived upon full payment of the original amount, and wage assignment agreements will result in fee removal once original costs are fully paid. Any default on a wage assignment will result in fees not being removed.
- Payments can be made by cash, certified check, or credit card (Visa/Mastercard). Personal checks are not accepted.
- If an individual’s driver’s license has been suspended by the Michigan Department of State for nonpayment of a traffic offense, the individual must still pay the $45 reinstatement fee to regain their driver’s license. The $45 fee will be remitted to the State of Michigan.
- If an individual cannot pay in full but makes a significant payment, the courts will arrange a new payment plan regarding any outstanding balance and will not jail them for the inability to pay in full.
- This announcement does not shield an individual from arrest before they appear at the court.
Court Information
61st District Court – 180 Ottawa Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Open: Monday to Friday – 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
62-B District Court – 4740 Walma Ave. SE Kentwood, MI 49512
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Tuesday – 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
Friday – 7:30 a.m. – Noon
63rd District Court – 1950 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Open: Monday to Friday – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For news tips, email news@13onyourside.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and on your phone.
—
Read More US News