Amnesty Month returns for misdemeanor fines in Hattiesburg | News

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM)- The Hattiesburg City Court is offering a
financial break to residents struggling to pay their fines next month.

The courts Amnesty Program allows folks to stop
by and receive a 25 percent discount on fines they were issued prior to January
31, 2012.

Residents will not only be able to clear
their misdemeanor cases at a discounted rate, but may also be eligible to take
part in the partial payment plan as long as their fines are paid by March 1. People
who are currently on the partial payment plan will not be eligible for the 25
percent discount.

"Amnesty Day helps the
city as far as the court is concerned, helps clean our books of old fines, and
it helps residents get a reduction in their fines that they may have," said
Hattiesburg Mayor's Assistant John Brown.

Amnesty Month begins February 1 and ends
March 1.

Individuals who do not pay their fines before
March 1 will be responsible for the total amount of their fines or risk
incarceration.

In 2011, Mayor Johnny DuPree proclaimed
February as Amnesty Month.

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