City of Palestine Municipal Court Announces Warrant Forgiveness

By Sarah Naron

Messenger Reporter

PALESTINE – Those with warrants in the City of Palestine are being given a second chance through the City of Palestine Municipal Court’s warrant forgiveness, or amnesty, program.

“Anyone who has outstanding warrants with Palestine Municipal Court is invited to resolve their cases,” explained Nate Smith, Communications and Best Practices Officer for the City of Palestine. “Persons who voluntarily take action on their cases will not be arrested and may be eligible for alternatives such as community service or a reduction in their fine.”

The initiative will be in place from Wednesday, Feb. 14 through Thursday, March 29. With the exception of March 14, the judge will be available each Wednesday at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 1 and Thursday, March 29 at 9 a.m.

Amnesty will be granted to convicted defendants who have unpaid fines and capias warrants, as well as defendants who have failed to make an appearance in court.

“This is a great opportunity for people to dispose of their warrants and feel comfortable speaking to the judge without the fear of being arrested,” Court Administrator Courtney Acklin pointed out.

A current list of warrants is available online at www.cityofpalestinetx.com. More information may be obtained by calling the court at 903-731-8433 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

The City of Palestine Municipal Court is located at 504 N. Queen St. in Palestine.

Sarah Naron may be reached via email at [email protected].