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Journal North: Home | Sports | Opinion | Obits | Entertainment
Friday, November 20, 2009
Court Has Stay-Out-of-Jail Offer
By Vic Vela
Journal Staff Writer
It's not exactly Monopoly's version of a get-out-of-jail-free card, but it could be the next best thing.
If you're wanted for a traffic offense and subject to arrest, Santa Fe County Magistrate Court is the place to be Saturday. Defendants can avoid going to jail if they show up at court that day and address their unresolved traffic charges.
That includes paying outstanding court fees and fines for those tickets you may have been neglecting, but it beats being pulled over and sent directly jail without passing Go.
“They're not saving money, but they avoid going to jail,” said Magistrate Court manager Michelle Portillo. “Our goal is to have people come in and take care of old traffic cases and not be afraid that they're going to be arrested when they do.
Portillo said about 1,300 cases in the county where there are arrest warrants attached to them are eligible for warrant forgiveness. “If you can get that big of a turnout, it would be great,” she said.
The court at 2056 Galisteo St. is scheduled to be open from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday.
If a lot of people show up, Portillo said, they could stay open past noon to handle the crowd.
Defendants can look up their cases on the New Mexico court's Web site — www.nmcourts.gov/caselookup/app — to determine their eligibility. If “TR” is included in the case number, that case qualifies for warrant forgiveness.
The program only applies to traffic cases. Misdemeanors, DWIs and felonies are not eligible.
Anyone with questions can call 505-827-4721 for more information.
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