Lake Charles, Louisiana - Lake Charles City Court is opening a five-day Fresh Start Amnesty Program, giving people a limited window to address certain old court matters and fines without the immediate fear of being arrested.
The amnesty period will run March 16–20, according to information released by the court. During those dates, eligible individuals with outstanding issues in Lake Charles City Court may come in voluntarily to work toward resolving them.
Court officials stated that the program focuses on accountability and opportunity, with the broader goal of strengthening the community by helping people reconnect with the court system in a more cooperative way.
Warrants May Be Recalled During Amnesty
One of the central features of the Fresh Start Amnesty Program is the possibility of having certain warrants recalled.
In many municipal and city courts, warrants are commonly issued when people miss a court date or fail to pay fines as ordered. These can be known as “bench warrants.” During the amnesty period in Lake Charles, some of those warrants may be recalled if the person appears at the court to address the underlying issue.
Review Of Fees, Fines, And Possible Adjustments
The Fresh Start Amnesty Program also includes a review of existing fees and fines. Court personnel may look at outstanding balances and determine whether adjustments are appropriate.
While the court did not promise across-the-board reductions, officials indicated that fees and fines “may be reviewed for possible adjustments” during the amnesty week. That review could make it easier for some residents to move forward who have been unable to pay previous amounts in full.
The evaluation of fines is expected to be handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances of each individual and the nature of the underlying matter.
Payment Plans May Be Available
For people who cannot pay their total balance at once, payment plans may be available during the amnesty period.
Payment plans allow defendants or account holders to split what they owe into smaller, scheduled payments over time. This option can be especially important for those who want to comply with court orders but are struggling with the full cost at once.
How Residents Can Get More Information
Residents who believe they may have outstanding fines or court issues in Lake Charles City Court are encouraged to contact the court before or during the amnesty period to find out whether they are eligible to participate.
For more information about the Fresh Start Amnesty Program, including what types of matters may qualify and what paperwork may be needed, individuals can call Lake Charles City Court at 337-491-1304.