Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Collection Amnesty Program Closes 10,000 Cases with Total Revenue of $1.85 Million Statewide

November 12, 2002

During the month of October, courts across the State of Washington closed more than 10,000 cases and collected $1,850,000 in revenue through an innovative, 'collection amnesty' program.

From October 1-31, 2002, 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.

Skagit County District Court held a similar amnesty program in 2001, and worked to coordinate the effort for other courts throughout the state.   

“Everyone has financial problems at some time or another,” said Skagit County District Court Judge David Svaren.  “The purpose of this program was to allow defendants an opportunity to pay their fines to be re-licensed, and we’re very happy to see the positive gains made through this program.”

This program was an effort to reduce the number of outstanding fines in collection, and the more than 700,000 holds on drivers licenses throughout Washington State.   

CONTACT:  Pam Springer, Skagit County District Court 360-336-9319.

 

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Washington Courts Media Contacts:

Wendy K. Ferrell
Judicial Communications Manager
360.705.5331
e-mail Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov
Lorrie Thompson
Communications Officer
360.705.5347
Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov
 

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