Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Statewide Court "Debt Reduction" Program Closes 25,500 Cases Totalling $3.96 Million

During the month of May, more than 100 courts across the State of Washington closed 25,513 cases and collected $3,964,975 in revenue through an innovative ‘debt reduction’ program. 

The program was an effort to reduce the number of outstanding fines in collection and holds on driver licenses throughout Washington State.   

“The purpose of this program was to allow defendants an opportunity to pay their fines to be re-licensed,” said Skagit County District Court Administrator Pam Springer, organizer of the program. “In these difficult economic times, we’re gratified to see positive gains made through this program.”

Throughout the month of May (with some courts extending the program into June) nearly 100 district and municipal courts voluntarily participated in the program to help those with outstanding traffic tickets and fines. 

Courts and their collection agencies agreed to waive interest and a significant portion of collection costs on tickets currently in collection.

While the program was unique to each individual court, the program allowed citizens an opportunity to pay fines at a reduced rate. In instances where licenses were revoked, many courts assisted citizens in the process to regain their license through established relicensing programs.

Washington’s district and municipal courts held a similar program back in October of 2002, closing more than 10,000 cases and collecting $1,850,000 in revenue.