KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Imagine living in fear that at any time you could be arrested for failing to pay a traffic citation or some other civil fine and hauled off to jail.
Thousands live with that fear in Kalamazoo County. Chief District Judge Richard Santoni said those people can relieve that fear Thursday by coming into the court house and making arrangements to pay off their fines. If they do, the bench warrants hanging over their heads will be tossed.
Santoni said it’s scary for the violators and a headache for the justice system. He said they have to fill out a lot of paperwork, hold hearings, the police have to arrest you and jail isn’t free. He said they are ready to work out payment plans all day today.
They have 5,000 outstanding bench warrants and have listed the names of those eligible on their Facebook page. Anyone of them can be tossed if a deal is struck or the fees paid.
Violators have to report to the courthouse on Michigan Avenue and have until 4:30 p.m.
