FORT WORTH, Texas — A lack of funds is what keeps many Texans from taking steps to resolve outstanding arrest warrants.
In the Lone Star State, warrants don’t expire, and something as simple as a speeding ticket can snowball, often leading to jail time.
Twenty-two-year-old Fort Worth resident Jessa Davis has the goal of joining the Air Force before the end of the year, but a looming arrest warrant would make that impossible.
“I’ve always loved the idea of joining the Air Force,” Davis said. “I want to be an example of what it means to serve my country.”
When Davis called the court to see how much she owed, she learned the warrant would cost her more than $500, a price she couldn’t afford up front. It was then that she learned she might be able to resolve the warrant with community service through the city’s Court in the Community/Warrant Forgiveness opportunity.
“I was super excited when I found out community service was an option for me because I didn’t know it was an option," she said.
The program was started in 2018 with the guidance of Fort Worth’s Chief Judge Danny Rodgers, who says their first year was a huge success.
“It was crazy. We had no clue what we were doing,” said Judge Rodgers. “Not only did the dozens of people come to the event where we were out in the community, [but] they [also] came here to the court building. They were literally waiting for us to get here in the morning.”
Over the years, Judge Rodgers has seen many positive outcomes like Davis’ situation, and has heard stories that remind him of how life-changing the Warrant Forgiveness Program has proven to be.
“We had one couple tell us how anytime they were out and saw a police officer, they would turn,” said Judge Rodgers. “They would go in a different direction because they were afraid of getting pulled over and someone discovering they had warrants. They didn’t want to get arrested with their children in the car. There’s a lot of consequences that can flow from that.”
Now that Davis is warrant-free, she hopes for others to follow in her footsteps. The program is for anyone who has outstanding citations with the Fort Worth Municipal Court. Warrant holders are invited to appear at a municipal court location, which is usually a church, to resolve their outstanding cases without fear of arrest.
“They may be eligible for alternatives such as community service or a reduction in their fine based on ability to pay,” said Judge Rodgers.
Court in the Community/Warrant Forgiveness FAQ
Q: Is this only for Fort Worth citations?
A: Yes, it’s for any Class C criminal case filed with the court, such as traffic violations, ordinance violations and penal code violations through the issuance of a citation.
Q: What is Safe Harbor?
A: Fort Worth is a Safe Harbor Court, meaning residents can always visit a City of Fort Worth Municipal Court location without fear of arrest for outstanding warrants issued by the Fort Worth Municipal Court.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: For more information on this initiative and other court information, please visit the municipal court webpage or call the court during business hours at 817-392-6700.
“Why not show up?” said Davis. “You’re bettering yourself, you’re helping yourself. If you don’t show up, it's hindering you.”
Davis said she’s ready to serve her country and looks forward to better opportunities. She dreams of one day having her own farm.
“I want more for myself. I absolutely want more for myself. I want more for my future and I want to be able to show people you can do it," said Davis.
Fort Worth Municipal Court will host a Court in the Community/Warrant Forgiveness event 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21, at Altamesa Church of Christ on 4600 Altamesa Blvd.
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Share your ideas with DFW human interest reporter Lupe Zapata by emailing him at Lupe.Zapata@Charter.com