Reno Justice Court offers a fresh start for the New Year

New program offers those with an outstanding warrant for an unpaid traffic ticket a second chance.

Reno, Nevada. Jan. 6, 2015. Reno Justice Court is offering a fresh start to the New Year for anyone with an outstanding warrant for failing to pay a traffic ticket. Thanks to the Traffic Warrant Amnesty program, if somebody appears at the Court and makes arrangements to pay their debit, the person will not be arrested for the warrant and the associated warrant fee will be dismissed. Although other fees may apply, arrangements to make partial payments or to convert the entire debt to community service are available for those who cannot pay the fine in full. 

"The program is a win-win for everyone involved,” said Judge Scott Pearson. “Ticket holders will avoid being arrested and Washoe County could potentially collect thousands of dollars in past due fines.”

Generally, when a citation goes unpaid, the court sends a reminder notice to the last known address. If the court receives no response from the notice, an arrest warrant is filed for failing to obey the court order to appear or make payments. After the court issues a warrant for arrest, the DMV usually suspends the license. Additional fees in excess of $100 are also added to the fine for failing to pay and the case is often referred to a collection agency which also results in more fees.

Those with traffic ticket warrants can take advantage of this program anytime during normal business hours. The Reno Justice Court is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays.  

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