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November 12, 2002
Skagit County Courts collect $106,000 and resolve 500 cases SKAGIT COUNTY - During the month of October, courts across the State of Washington closed more than 10,000 cases and raised $1,850,000 in revenue through an innovative 'collection amnesty' program. Skagit County and Municipal Courts collected $106,000 and closed over 500 cases. From October 1 through October 31, 2002, nearly 100 district and municipal courts throughout the State of Washington voluntarily participated in the program to help those with outstanding traffic tickets and fines. Courts and their collection agencies agreed to waive interest and a significant portion of 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 participating courts assisted citizens in the process to regain their license through established re-licensing programs. Skagit County District Court held a similar amnesty program in 2001, and worked to coordinate the effort for other courts throughout the state. "Everyone has financial programs at some time or another," said Skagit County District Court Judge David Svaren. "The purpose of this program was to allow defendants an opportunity to pay their fines, to be re-licensed, and we're very happy to see the positive gains made through this program." This program was an effort to reduce the number of outstanding fines in collection, and the more than 700,000 holds on drivers' licenses throughout Washington State. For further information,
contact: Pam Springer, Skagit County District Court, 336-9319
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