City of Norman Looks to Help People Clear Records, Save Money

The city of Norman is trying to help residents clear their name and save money through the Warrant Amnesty program it launched in December.

Thursday, December 31st 2009, 6:01 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The city of Norman is trying to help residents clear their name and save money through the Warrant Amnesty program it launched in December.

People with outstanding warrants can get their failure to appear court cost waived and just pay the administrative costs on their record. 

"For example, we had one guy come in who had a $1,200 bond. He walked away only paying eighty nine dollars through the amnesty program," said Ronda Guerrero, Norman's Municipal Court Administrator.

The program only lasts until January 29, 2009.

So far, only 25 people have taken advantage. The list of those who qualify is well over 4,000.

Guerrero said the warrants can stem from something as simple as forgetting to pay a minor traffic ticket on time which is why many people may not even realize they have a warrant out for their arrest.

"When you get pulled over or cited. You sign a ticket promising to appear and when you don't show up for your court date a judge issues a warrant and if it's a traffic citation he also suspends your license," Guerrero said.

While the city of Norman is in a good financial situation compared to other cities in Oklahoma, the budget manager said every little bit helps.However, the goal of the forgiveness program is not money collection, but to help people clear their records.

Bigger costs could be down the line for those who don't take advantage of the program. That's because a new law allows municipal courts to use collection agencies to track down the money.

"A lot of agencies charge 25 percent. That's something we will look at in the future," said Guerrero.

You can see if you have a warrant by looking on the city of Norman's Web site.

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