Comment on Council approves amnesty program for thousands of traffic, other low-level offenses

Council approves amnesty program for thousands of traffic, other low-level offenses

By William CrumStaff writerwcrum@oklahoman.comWhether to offer amnesty to low-level offenders with unresolved fines and fees threatened to devolve Tuesday into a spat over equity before the Oklahoma City Council unanimously endorsed the proposal. Starting July 1, offenders whose cases have dragged on for two years or longer, racking up fees and substantial fines, will have until March 31 to come to Municipal Court and settle for pennies on the dollar. Individuals still unable to pay can have their costs waived. Amnesty could make a dent in more than 116,000 outstanding cases and help offenders restore driver's licenses that have been suspended. For someone who failed to pay a basic traffic ticket or show up for court, the cost to settle will be reduced to $155, from $613. Cost of the same ticket for an individual who pays on time: $172. Taking into account the perspective of somebody who pays on time, Ward 1 Councilman James Greiner said, "Now we're somewhat rewarding somebody who didn't pay it on time?Read more on NewsOK.com

 

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