Warrant Forgiveness Day
For one day, on May 12, 2018, people dealing with warrant issues in Ramsey County can come and get their issues resolved without the fear of getting arrested.
The county is teaming up with the ACLU of Minnesota, the NAACP, and UJAMAA Place to host a warrant resolution day. Attendees will work with attorneys and judges to address active warrants and take actions to resolve or move forward with any underlying court case.
Warrant Forgiveness Day only applies to those with outstanding misdemeanors which include:
- Misdemeanors
- Gross misdemeanors
- Probation violations
- Felony warrants will be turned away from the door.
Jana Kooren, the ACLU’s public education and communications director told WMM that this is the second year that this event has taken place. Last year the ACLU helped over 230 people in Hennepin county get their warrants resolved. Having a warrant creates barriers for people to achieve things like getting a job or finding housing. Resolving those warrants can significantly change people’s lives.
In letters provided by the ACLU from people who took part in the scheme last year a participant shared the following about their experience:
“This is probably THE MOST beneficial thing that has happened to me all year. I don’t have to wonder anymore. Worry about if I’ll be separated from my child is GONE! I am not a career criminal I am a single mother who made a mistake and now I am free to move forward fearlessly. Able to use my voice. Thank you!”
To check the status of yours or a loved one’s warrant go to Ramsey County’s online warrant search page for further information. If you have further questions about whether the individual qualifies call the Ramsey County District Court phone line at 651-266-9320.
The event details can be found below:
- When: May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: High School of the Recording Arts 1166 University Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55104
For more information about what to expect from this event check out the following press coverage about folks who participated in last year’s event in Hennepin County.