The Akron Legal News

Login | March 29, 2024

Barberton Municipal Court offers amnesty program

Published: June 27, 2019

BARBERTON––The Barberton Municipal Court is holding an Amnesty Program through July 31 according to Court Clerk Diana Stevenson.

The program is focused on citizens who have a registration block or license forfeiture through the Barberton Municipal Court for nonpayment of fines and court costs.

During the program period, payment of one-half (1/2) of the total amount owed to the Court will allow for the release of the registration block or license forfeiture, an important step towards having a valid driver’s license.

This allows citizens to make the payment and get their releases without the required Court appearance.

Citizens will be placed on an updated monthly payment plan for the remaining balance of fines and costs that they owe the Court.

“We understand the competing money pressures many of our citizens are going through,” said Judge David Fish. “Outstanding fines and court costs can sometimes seem insurmountable. We also understand that the state of Ohio makes driving a privilege, not a right. If we can help our local residents find a fair path to regain that privilege by removing some or all of those obstacles, we will try to help.”

“This is a unique opportunity to take advantage of both the Court’s Amnesty program and the Ohio BMV Amnesty Initiative ending July 31.  Under the BMV Amnesty, individuals can save hundreds––and in some cases thousands––of dollars in reinstatement fees owed to the state of Ohio,” added Judge Todd McKenney. “We will be conducting two special sessions on July 13 and July 27, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Barberton Municipal Court to help take advantage of both programs. Clearing the hurdles to become a valid, licensed driver can be very rewarding to the individual.”

According to Stevenson, at least one-half of the amount owed on all traffic and criminal cases must be paid in order for the Court to release the registration block or license forfeiture.

Defendants must pay the remaining one-half on a monthly basis until paid in full. Defendants are subject to future license forfeitures or registration blocks for nonpayment if they do not continue to make timely monthly payments, which in turn will create additional fines and costs added to their total.

Payments can be made on-line at www.cityofbarberton.com/clerkofcourts.

Other payment options for the Clerk of Courts office include paying in person Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and/or Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The clerk’s office accepts personal checks, money orders (made payable to Barberton Municipal Court), cash, Visa and MasterCard.

Payments may also be mailed (check or money orders only) to Barberton Municipal Court, 576 W. Park Ave., Barberton, Ohio 44203.

For questions regarding the Amnesty Program call the Clerk of Courts office at 330.861.7191.


[Back]