First Person with Amy Dunn
May 2021
Olive & Indigo
May 2021
Lake Charles City Court will offer a one-month Fresh Start Amnesty Program beginning April 19, 2021 for individuals who have missed court dates, overdue fines and/or outstanding warrants in the past.
According to Judge Jamie Bice, the Court, with the full support of Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight and Ward 3 Marshal Nathan Keller, is offering this amnesty period to provide a much-needed fresh start after a year that has dealt setbacks to many people. “The COVID-19 pandemic and two hurricanes have disrupted lives and caused financial hardship for many in our community,” says Judge Ron Richard.
“Offering amnesty is one way we can help ease the financial burden for these individuals as our community works to recover from the challenges of the past year.”
During the one-month amnesty period, individuals can take care of outstanding court matters with no fear of arrest or prosecution. Warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay will be recalled. Warrant fees and other fines may be removed or reduced, with an option for payment plans. Where applicable, new court dates will be set, with no additional fees.
“The amnesty program is beneficial for both the individuals involved and for the Court,” says Judge Bice. “It provides a simple way for citizens to stay out of jail and get back to rebuilding their lives.
For the Court, it helps us conserve resources while clearing outstanding cases and collecting a portion of past due fines.”
Individuals seeking amnesty can go in person to Lake Charles City Court, 118 W. Mill Street, through Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Payment can be made by cash, certified check or credit card (Visa/Mastercard). Personal checks WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
For more information, call 337-491-1565.
