LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of the things the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other organizations do is help non-violent offenders resolve their arrests.
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk David Nicholson hopes this can clear cases with no fear or concerns of arrests.
"Another thing that helps with prevention, [Louisville Metro Police], in many cases, has arrest-less interactions and we want them to continue to do that," VOCAL-KY Director Shameka Parrish-Wright said. "If they don't need to arrest someone or cite someone, they can connect them with wrap around services, it would stop them from coming in the jail and have citations that go unanswered."
It helps people who can't make it to their court hearings because of childcare, transportation or time off work.
It is also supposed to help ease outstanding cases for the court system.
"This is our goal, and this is one way to achieve that very important goal; helping people who failed to appear in court for low level offenses a second chance to do the right thing, is simply, as you've heard from other partners, the right thing to do," Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Jessica Moore said.
The ACLU and their community partners raised nearly $300,000 to help with part of clearing debts.
"If you are out there and you are considering resolving tour warrant issue, please know we have come together to make sure we are doing everything we can to resolve this," VOCAL-KY Director Shameka Parrish-Wright said. "Like Attorney Mike O'Connell said, there are payment arrangements and ways to work this out so you don't got to jail. It costs us when you go to jail, and it costs you a great deal."
This is only for people who have non-violent offenses; anyone with violent misdemeanors, domestic violence and gun offenses do not qualify.
In 2022, they had a similar amnesty docket program that cleared about 450 people clear their warrants.
To sign up for the program, click here. The last day to sign up is Feb. 2.
You will have to appear in person on Feb. 9, Feb. 10 or Feb. 12.
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