Defendants with outstanding traffic, misdemeanor or fines and costs warrants will have the opportunity today to appear in court to have those warrants withdrawn, new court dates set and payment plans set up without the fear of going to jail.
A warrant clearing event will take place today, Jan. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Okmulgee County Courthouse, Courtroom 2. All misdemeanors are eligible with the exception of domestic violence and violation of protective order cases.
All cases, misdemeanor or felony, wherein the Defendant needs to set up a payment plan are also eligible for this event, even if there is not currently an outstanding warrant. Traffic tickets are also eligible. Defendants with warrants for failing to appear at a misdemeanor probation revocation or acceleration docket are also eligible for warrant recalls and resetting of court dates.
Posting of a cash or surety bond will not be required. Defendants will be released on their promise to reappear.
“Sometimes court dates are missed and warrants must be issued for failure of a defendant to appear. Then defendants are subject to an untimely arrest and the fear of that arrest keeps them from appearing in court,” District Judge Pandee Ramirez said. “We want to give defendants the opportunity to get those warrants recalled and get back on the Court’s docket to resolve their cases, whether it is for a misdemeanor failure to appear warrant or to set up or modify a payment plan.”
Individuals will have the option to pay their fines and fees, get on a payment plan, or even reset a court date without the risk of being arrested. Okmulgee County Special District Judge Deborah Reheard will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to meet with defendants.
Defendants also can set up payment plans or rework the plans they have in place. Defendants can also apply to the court for temporary suspension of their payments or a reduction in their fines and costs. Some Defendants may also qualify for a waiver of their fines and costs if they meet certain criteria. Community service is also available as an alternative to making monthly payments.
“We hope this warrant clearing event will allow defendants to get back on track with their case with the fear of an arrest on any current warrants removed,” Judge Ramirez said.
