Stow court offers amnesty in April

Nonviolent offenders only have chance to clear their record and avoid arrest

Stow Municipal Court is offering nonviolent offenders the opportunity to clear up old warrants and avoid arrest today through the end of the month in a court-sponsored program called Amnesty April.

''If they come in and make it easier on us, we'll cut them a break,'' said court administrator Rick Klinger.

Nonviolent offenders who take the court up on the offer should plan on taking $150 with them, or the balance of the fines and court costs they owe, whichever is less, Klinger said. Then they should be ready to follow the judge's orders.

Chances are, defendants will be able pay their fines and costs and go home after appearing before the judge, Klinger said.

Amnesty is being offered to people who have warrants against them for failure to appear in court; pay fines and costs; complete court-ordered community service; comply with probation; complete counseling; or complete house arrest/alcohol monitoring programs.

''This gives the defendant the chance to come in and make good,'' said Stow Clerk of Courts Lisa Zeno Carano.



Participants should report to the criminal division window of the clerk's office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the courthouse, 4400 Courthouse Drive, and request amnesty. They will then be escorted by a bailiff to the courtroom of Judge Kim Hoover or Judge Lisa Coates.

What happens next is up to the judge, Carano said.

''The judge will look at everything,'' before ruling, she said.

Those wanted for warrants arising out of violent offenses are not eligible for the program.

Defendants wanted on felonies or in cases of domestic violence, menacing or stalking, assault, OVI/DUI and sex offenses are ineligible for amnesty.

''There is no additional cost for the program. If you come in with $150, we will release the warrant,'' Klinger said.