Jackson County State’s Attorney Joe Cervantez and Jackson County Presiding Judge, Christy W. Solverson announced today that Jackson County will be conducting a warrant amnesty initiative for all traffic matters currently active in Jackson County. Warrant amnesty will allow citizens in certain cases to obtain warrant cancellations and new court dates without posting a cash bond. The purpose of this initiative is to allow people with outstanding traffic warrants to have an opportunity to resolve their outstanding cases without fear of arrest and without the expense of posting a cash bond.
State’s Attorney Cervantez explains “Many citizens become trapped in a cycle of unpaid fines and suspended driver’s licenses making it difficult for them to conclude their court matters and become a valid driver again. This cycle places a great deal of economic hardship on individuals in our community. A warrant amnesty initiative will be invaluable to the community as it comes at a time of continuing economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Carbondale Interim Police Chief Stan Reno and Jackson County Sheriff Robert Burns are lending the resources of their respective departments in the two-day initiative. Interim Chief Reno states that, “The City of Carbondale Police supports this initiative to assist the citizens of the Carbondale community while managing the challenges brought on by the pandemic. The Carbondale Police Department remains committed to improving the quality of life for all citizens and we are proud to assist our law enforcement partners with this program.”
Under the Jackson County Warrant Amnesty Initiative, a Defendant may appear before the Court by Zoom on Thursday, February 11th, 2021 or Thursday, March 11th, 2021 at 9:00 A.M., and ask the Court to quash the outstanding warrant. The State’s Attorney’s Office will not object to the request. The Court will quash the warrant and set the case for a future court date without the necessity of a cash bond or other fees. Assistant State’s Attorneys and Assistant Public Defenders will be in attendance to guide those defendants who may need guidance clearing their license suspensions or revocations.
Due to the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Jackson County, the Warrant Initiative settings will take place remotely via ZOOM VIDEO COURT. The traffic courtroom may be accessed online at the Jackson County Circuit Clerk Website:
https://circuitclerk.co.jackson.il.us/videocourt
Simply click on Judge Gott’s Courtroom on February 11th, 2021 or March 11th, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. and you will be linked to join virtual court for the Warrant Amnesty Initiative.
Eligibility
All traffic warrants are eligible to be quashed. Warrants for $5000 or less will be quashed, removed from the system, and new court dates will be sent out. Bench warrants greater than $5000, and cases involving DUI, Leaving the Scene of an Accident (injury involved) and Reckless Driving will be set for a hearing before the judge to quash the warrant.
Contact
Additional information can be obtained by calling the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office at (618) 687-7200.