The Mount Vernon Municipal Court has announced it hold a Safe Surrender Program on November 7, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This initiative is designed for individuals with active arrest warrants issued by the court. Participants who report during this time will not be arrested; instead, they will have the opportunity to meet with court or probation staff, or even appear before a judge to address their legal obligations without additional penalty.
During the Safe Surrender Program, individuals who have missed court hearings can have their cases rescheduled, while those with outstanding jail sentences will be provided with a new reporting date. Defendants facing probation warrants will meet with a probation officer to discuss the underlying issues related to their warrants.
The program is not open to individuals with active warrants for violent offenses, such as assault, domestic violence, or operating a vehicle under the influence, as well as felony charges. Those with such warrants will be subject to arrest upon attending court on November 7.
For those uncertain about their warrant status, the Mount Vernon Municipal Court's website offers a case lookup feature to help individuals identify any outstanding warrants or charges.
Participating in the Safe Surrender Program allows for the recall of warrants from law enforcement and removes the warrant blocks that hinder driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Participants can also avoid being booked into jail and waiting for a bond hearing by attending the Safe Surrender Program.
The Safe Surrender Program is a local initiative that aims to enhance safety for law enforcement during arrests, reduce jail overcrowding, and help individuals resolve outstanding legal matters efficiently, according to a press release.
Attendees are advised to bring identification documents, such as a driver’s license, state ID, Social Security card, Medicare card, or military ID.
For further inquiries about the Safe Surrender Program, individuals can contact the Mount Vernon Municipal Court Clerk’s Office at 740-393-9510, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
