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Doraville council asks courts to explore amnesty to clear minor bench-warrant cases
Summary
Council asked staff and the court to develop an amnesty program for low-level bench-warrant eligible offenses to clear backlogged cases and help residents resolve fines without jail time; staff said they will return with a proposed framework and outreach plan.
Councilmember Naser proposed April 8 that Doraville explore a court amnesty program allowing people with bench-warrant-eligible minor offenses (for example, certain traffic and ordinance violations) to clear cases without jail time, possibly by waiving warrant fees and reinstating driver's licenses.
City Manager Chuck Atkinson and court staff described amnesty as a tool to clear old, low-level cases, reduce court workload and help residents resolve matters. Atkinson said such programs have been used in other cities and that the city’s court clerk would work with the chief judge to develop eligibility criteria, staffing plans and outreach. Councilmembers expressed general support for staff returning with a detailed framework that specifies which offenses qualify, timing (e.g., one or more Saturday sessions) and an outreach strategy.
No formal vote was taken; council consensus was to ask courts to draft a program and return with details for council consideration.
