County Attorney Press Releases

Hot Check Amnesty Week Ends Today

Few hours left for individuals with outstanding hot check warrants to take advantage of the amnesty period

            El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez reminded county residents with hot check warrants that today Friday May 1, 2009 is the last day to pay any outstanding balances and avoid arrest during the upcoming massive warrant round-up.

            The hot check amnesty week began on Sunday April 26 with the publication in the local newspapers of more than 3,700 names of individuals with outstanding warrants, and will end today. Individuals who pay their outstanding balances during the Amnesty Week will avoid arrests during an upcoming county-wide arrest warrant round-up. Additionally, they will save money by avoiding the payment of various fees, such as court costs, attorney fees, and the cost of posting a bond.

Since Thursday April 9, when the program was announced, until Thursday April 30, 2009, offenders had paid $80,746 in restitution to merchants. Currently, individuals in the hot check warrant list owe merchants more than $3.2 million.

Residents who still want to take advantage of the amnesty week can make their payments at the El Paso County Attorney's Office, 5th floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio. The payment windows at the County Attorney's Office will be open today until 6:00 p.m.

Forms of payment accepted include most credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, and cash, however those paying cash will have to bring the exact amount (cashiers will not provide change).

For more information regarding hot check payments and balances please contact the El Paso County Attorney's Office Hot Check Unit at 546-2051. The complete and updated list of individuals with theft by check outstanding warrants will remain posted in the El Paso County web site at: www.epcounty.com/ca

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2009 Amnesty Week Report # 2 Press Release.pdf