Welcome to Skagit County

September 27, 2002

SKAGIT COUNTY DISTRICT AND MUNICIPAL COURTS OFFERING COLLECTION AMNESTY PROGRAM DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

In an effort to help citizens regain their driving licenses, Skagit County District and Municipal Courts are offering a "collection amnesty program" throughout the month of October.

Designed to help those with outstanding traffic tickets and fines, the court and their collection agency has agreed to waive interest and a significant portion of collection costs on tickets currently in collection.

"Everyone has financial problems at some time or another," said Skagit County District Court Judge David Svaren. "The purpose of this program is to allow defendants an opportunity to pay their fines to be re-licensed. We believe it is preferable to have licensed and insured drivers on highways throughout our state."

The court is offering the 30-day program from October 1 through October 31, 2002. Those with outstanding tickets or fines should contact the court directly by calling either the Skagit County District Court or any the Municipal Courts. Clerks will be able to provide names of other courts where fines may be outstanding.

Once tickets are paid in full and reported to the court, adjudication slips must be delivered to the Department of Licensing to clear a driving record and obtain a valid drivers license.

More than 100 courts throughout the state are participating in similar Collection Amnesty Programs throughout the month. For a full listing of courts participating, please visit the Washington Courts website at www.courts.wa.gov.