KRISTINA VISE

The Troy Municipal Court has declared Wednesday, March 10, as Amnesty Day for individuals with warrants due to unpaid parking or traffic violations.

On March 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the court will offer amnesty only to individuals who have received traffic or parking tickets, failed to appear in court or pay fines, and for whom warrants have been issued on these charges.

“This is the first time the city of Troy has taken part in this program,” said Diane Chance, a magistrate at the Troy Municipal Court.

“Montgomery has had an amnesty program in the past. Troy uses the same probation service, so it was suggested that we try it too,” Chance said. “We’re going to see how it works out.”

Chance explained the process. “When someone gets a ticket and doesn’t appear for court or doesn’t pay the fine, a warrant will be put out for his or her arrest. When people come in for Amnesty Day, they will have no active warrant, so there is no threat of arrest.”

To take advantage of the program, individuals should appear in open court at the Troy Municipal Court on March 10 or present themselves to the magistrate before March 10.

There will be no need to post bond, but those looking for amnesty should bring at least $100 to pay the fine amount.

“People will be able to make a partial payment to get on track to settling their fines,” Chance said.

The press release stressed that individuals with outstanding charges are encouraged to present themselves to the court on or before March 10.

Also, individuals with outstanding warrants that come in contact with law enforcement officers before taking advantage of the program are subject to immediate arrest.

The Troy Municipal Court is located at 300 Elm Street. For more information, call the Court Clerk’s office at 566-4248 or appear at the office in person.