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2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Deputies find missing woman ... Chinook salmon returns biggest since 1930s ... New University of Oregon president eyes graduation rate ... Deputies find missing woman ... Chinook salmon returns biggest since 1930s ... New University of Oregon president eyes graduation rate ... Courts consider amnesty for suspended drivers Medford and Jackson County program would let them save 25% on outstanding traffic tickets, if they pay off the remainder at once The Medford Municipal Court and the Jackson County Justice Court are proposing a temporary amnesty starting Feb. 1 to help drivers who have had their license suspended because they have not paid traffic tickets. Comment By chris conrad MailTribune.com By chris conrad Posted Jan. 21, 2010 at 12:01 AM By chris conrad Posted Jan. 21, 2010 at 12:01 AM » Social News The Medford Municipal Court and the Jackson County Justice Court are proposing a temporary amnesty starting Feb. 1 to help drivers who have had their license suspended because they have not paid traffic tickets. The program, which court officials will present to the Medford City Council today, will allow suspended drivers to save 25 percent on their outstanding tickets. The only stipulation is that the entire balance must be paid. "We are offering this as a chance for people to get back on their feet," said Denise Bostwick, the Medford Municipal Court clerk. "Sometimes people get caught in a cycle of expensive tickets and can't afford to have their license reinstated." If given the green light by the Medford City Council, the program would kick off on Feb. 1 and continue through April 30, Bostwick said. Medford Municipal Court currently has about 17,000 active suspension requests registered with Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services. The court handles parking, traffic and city ordinance citations issued by the Medford Police Department. In addition, those who have received traffic tickets from Jackson County Sheriff's deputies, the Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation weighmaster can have their balance reduced by 25 percent and all interest accrued forgiven, according to Jackson County Justice Judge Joe Charter. "Making money isn't the goal," Charter said. "The idea is to help people who, due to their unpaid fines, cannot legally drive." The courts based the program on a similar effort by Eugene's municipal court. "We are offering the program in the spring to take advantage of the tax return season," Bostwick said. "We are hoping people use a portion of their refunds to take care of their tickets and save money." The courts will spread the word to agencies such as OnTrack and drug court. The goal is to nudge people who have suspended licenses to resolve the issue so they can apply for jobs and drive to work. The courts also will have the collection agencies they work with contact people with outstanding tickets to offer them the chance to save 25 percent on their balance, Bostwick said. Such an amnesty program has never been attempted in Jackson County, Bostwick said. "It will be a learning process for us," she said. Medford Municipal Court is on the second floor of Medford City Hall, 411 W. Eighth Street. Jackson County Justice Court is at 505 Oak Street in Central Point. Both are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 541-776-4471; or e-mail [email protected]. By chris conrad MailTribune.com By chris conrad Posted Jan. 21, 2010 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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