MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Municipal Court will conduct another Safe Surrender Program on Feb. 26 from noon to 4 p.m. Individuals with active arrest warrants out of the Mount Vernon Municipal Court who report to the courtroom at that time will not be arrested.
Instead, they may meet with the court or probation staff, or appear before the Judge, to address their legal obligations.
What will happen when you report to the Safe Surrender Program?
Individuals who failed to appear for a hearing will have their hearing rescheduled. Those who failed to report for a jail sentence will be given a new date to report to jail. Defendants with probation warrants will be seen by a probation officer to address the reasons for the warrant.
Who is not eligible for the Safe Surrender Program?
The Safe Surrender Program does not apply to anyone with an active warrant for an offense of violence, such as assault, aggravated menacing, domestic violence, etc.; violating a temporary protection order, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, or any felony offense. You will be arrested and go to jail if you appear in court on Feb. 26 with one of these charges.
How do I find out if I have a warrant or what I am charged with?
If you are unsure whether you have an outstanding warrant, look for your case and the charge on the court’s website under the Case Lookup tab.
Why should you report to the Safe Surrender Program?
Upon reporting to the Safe Surrender Program, your warrant will be recalled from law enforcement, and the warrant block preventing renewal of your driver’s license and registration will be released. You will also avoid being booked in at the jail and then waiting for a bond hearing.
Why does the court have a Safe Surrender Program?
The goals of the Safe Surrender Program include reducing the risk to law enforcement during arrests and alleviating overcrowding in the jail. The program will clear up the court’s dockets by resolving old cases and helping individuals address their legal problems.
What should you bring with you?
Bring a driver’s license, state ID card, Social Security card, Medicare card, or military ID card.
How do I learn more about the Safe Surrender Program?
Call the Mount Vernon Municipal Court Clerk’s Office at 740.393.9510, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.