Fayetteville Standard

We are deeply grateful to the many volunteers who assisted with the Warrant Amnesty Clinic held at St. Paul’s on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Prosecuting Attorney Matt Durret and Public Defender Leanna Houston both publicly thanked St. Paul’s for hosting and extending hospitality to their staff and clients.

Last week, 61 people attended the clinic to speak with officers of the court. The results are as follows:

9 people entered pleas on 13 cases

9 people received new trial dates for 15 cases

7 people were able to get back on the arraignment docket for 14 cases

36 people were advised on next steps

The Warrant Amnesty Clinic offers people the chance to conclude a tough chapter in their lives without the fear of an arrest and related stressors. It also promotes safety for law enforcement officers, as it can be dangerous for officers to knock on a door to execute a warrant. Clinics like ours help to reduce the number of these encounters, which can be highly stressful for all involved.

The Warrant Amnesty Clinic also offered opportunities for attendees to connect with local advocates and services. Community Clinic, Magdalene Serenity House, Peace at Home and other community organizations were present to promote awareness and build connections. We are grateful for their presence and outreach.

Many thanks, also, to Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition, who were able to effectively notify the communities most impacted by the judicial system, helping to increase awareness and attendance.

Original source can be found here.