Arkansas Judge Wren Autrey Announces Amnesty Program for Non-Violent Charges

Judge Wren Autrey has announced the Texarkana, Arkansas District Court and the Miller County District Court will grant Amnesty beginning January 19, 2018 through April 30, 2018, for individuals that have outstanding warrants for failure to appear, probation violation, or failure to report.

During this time, the District Court will waive the warrant fee and jail time if it receives full payment for these warrants. Last year Judge Autrey added a new opportunity for individuals, with non-violent charges that have had three or more contempt warrants to clear these warrants by paying 50 percent of the amount owed.  Many of these warrants stem from unresolved traffic violations from as long as five years ago and have since had fees and costs added to their fines.

Officers will not arrest anyone who appears at the Bi-State or The Miller County Correctional Facility to pay these fines. April 30, 2018 will be the last opportunity to participate in this program.

If in doubt you may contact the Probation Department 903-798-3243 or the District Court Clerk 903-798-3017.  To contact the Miller County District Court, you may contact the Probation Department 870-773-2971 or the District Court Clerk 870-772-2780.

Debbie Nolte, Chief Probation Officer, said the amnesty program would enable those sought on warrants to avoid the embarrassment and inconvenience of being arrested, avoid being assessed additional court costs of $350.00 and resolve their case entirely.  “These individuals have had their driving privilege suspended and clearing these fines will also enable them an opportunity to regain a valid driver’s license.  With income tax returns coming in, it is a great time for people to take advantage of this opportunity.”