Police offer chance to clear your warrants
RUSSELLVILLE — The police department is giving people with outstanding warrants a chance to resolve them without being arrested.
Beginning April 17, the department, working with the Russellville Municipal Court, will allow defendants with active warrants to come forward and address the issue through the court.
Officials say the program is designed to help people clear warrants that may have built up over time, especially for traffic related cases.
“We have done it before,” said Police Chief Chris Hargett. “If someone has a traffic warrant and they don’t show up to court, they can build up. This way we can get warrants served without making arrests.”
Under the program, people with outstanding warrants can have the warrant recalled and receive a new court date or begin a new payment plan by paying $200 plus warrant fees.
The $200 payment will either go toward any outstanding balance or be posted as a cash bond that will be applied at the scheduled court date.
Some warrants for new charges will be handled on a case-by-case basis. In some situations, individuals may be allowed to sign their own recognizance bond, which allows them to be released without paying money at that time.
Hargett said the program benefits both residents and law enforcement.
“It helps people out because if you have a traffic warrant when we pull you over, we’re going
By Addi Broadfoot to take you to jail,” Hargett said. “This way they can work something out with the court and get the warrant taken care of.”
Anyone wanting to resolve a warrant must appear in person at the municipal court and speak with a court magistrate during normal business hours. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A full list of outstanding warrants can be found on the police department’s website at www.russellvillepd. org under the warrants tab.
Police said people who do not come forward voluntarily will still be subject to arrest if they come into contact with officers or another law enforcement agency.
