HomeMy WebLinkAboutFS 2009-04-07 Item 2A - Discussion - Tukwila Municipal Court Participation in Statewide Amnesty ProgramTO:
ISSUE
BACKGROUND
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
City of Tukwila
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Mayor Haggerton
Finance Safety Committee
FROM: LaTricia Kinlow, Court Administrator
DATE: April 1, 2009
SUBJECT: Participation in Statewide Amnesty Program
Many courts are experiencing the effects of the current state of the economy. Most court
customers are unable to pay their court fines resulting in the suspension of their driver's license.
The District and Municipal Courts in the State of Washington, with the support of Supreme Court
Justice Gary Alexander, will participate in a statewide amnesty program. The amnesty period is
May 1S May 31s 2009. We have consulted with Alliance One Receivables Management, Inc.
(collection agency used by Tukwila Municipal Court), and they have participated in the planning
of the amnesty program and are aware of the issues involved.
Presiding Judges and Court Administrators are well aware of the flurry of activity intended to
lead to the opportunity for defendants state -wide to pay off existing fines with either interest and
penalties waives or substantially reduced fines. With most courts choosing to participate in the
Fine /Collection Amnesty during the month of May 2009, we can benefit the public in general by
re- licensing as many individuals as possible.
The marketing of the program will be orchestrated by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
They will contact the media agencies throughout the state and they will provide courts with
information we can distributed to our local media venues
The Council is being asked to support the municipal court's participation in this amnesty
program and to state such support during the April 20, 2009 Regular Meeting.
Letter of Support from Supreme Court Chief Justice, Gary Alexander.
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
GERRY L. ALEXANDER.
CHIEF JUSTICE
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE
POST OFFICE BOX 40929
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON
98504 -0929
Dear Colleagues:
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$tttdE xxf Paatringinn
March 19, 2009
I encourage you to consider joining this worthwhile program.
Very truly yours,
Gerry le)(ander
Chief J tice
(360) 357 -2029
FAX (360) 357 -2085
E -MAIL J_G.ALEXANDER@COURTS.WA.GOV
It has come to my attention that a number of limited jurisdiction courts are
currently organizing a "Collections Amnesty" program. It is my understanding, also, that
the board of the District and Municipal Court Judges' Association is supportive of this
effort as is the board of the District and Municipal Court Managers' Association.
During this time of reduced resources for citizens and government entities alike,
this campaign is timely and makes a great deal of sense. Under this program, persons
owing delinquent fines will have the opportunity to responsibly address their obligation.
At the same time they can save money because accrued interest and collection fees will
be reduced or eliminated. State, county, and city governments will also benefit when
these fines are paid.