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August 3rd, 2009

Skagit County Courts clear 1,043 cases; collect $191,168 during Court Collection Amnesty Program

SKAGIT COUNTY – During the months of May and June, the District and Municipal Courts of Skagit County cleared 1,043 cases and collected $191,168 or revenue through an innovative “debt reduction” program.

The program was an effort to reduce the number of outstanding fines in collection, and holds on driver licenses throughout Washington State.

“The purpose of this program was to allow defendants an opportunity to pay their fines to be re-licensed,” said Skagit County District Court Administrator Pam Springer, organizer of the program. “In these difficult economic times, we’re gratified to see positive gains made through this program.”

Statewide, more than 100 courts participated closing more than 25,513 cases and collecting $3,964,975 in revenue.

Courts and their collection agencies agreed to waive interest and a significant portion of the collection costs on tickets currently in collection.

While the program was unique to each individual court, the program allowed citizens an opportunity to pay fines at a reduced rate. In instances where licenses were revoked, many courts assisted citizens in the process to regain their license through established relicensing programs.

Washington’s district and municipal courts held a similar program back in October of 2002, closing more than 10,000 cases and collected $1,850,000 in revenue.

For further information, contact:

Pam Springer

360-336-9335