Warrant Round Up Begins March 7

TYLER — Anyone with outstanding court costs and fines for which a warrant has been issued has until Friday, March 6, to pay. According to a news release, Smith County is combining forces with other jurisdictions across Texas to participate in the largest joint warrant round up of this type in the state. On March 7, officers will begin visiting homes, neighborhoods, and places of work to arrest anyone who has not settled his or her debt with the county.

More than 4,000 bright pink notices were mailed out this week to individuals with active warrants for delinquent fees in Smith County. Individuals who come to the Judicial Compliance Department and pay their debts in full before March 6 will not be arrested. “Save yourself the expense and embarrassment of being picked up during the warrant round up. Call the Smith County Judicial Compliance Department to pay your outstanding fees today,” said Smith County Judicial Compliance Supervisor Sheryl Keel.

The Smith County Courts have hundreds of active warrants they are seeking to clear. County officials are encouraging defendants to take advantage of the options available to settle outstanding warrants immediately. No amnesty is being offered in conjunction with the round up effort. Check to see if you have unpaid court costs or fines online at http://www.smith-county.com or by calling the Smith County Judicial Compliance Department at 903-590-4624.

Once the arrest period begins on March 7, officers will aggressively target persons on the warrant list and arrests can take place at any location, including the defendant’s home, school, or workplace, according to the news release. Smith County closed more than 500 cases and collected over $170,000 in delinquent court fees during the last two years’ Great Texas Warrant Round-Ups. Smith County’s 2015 Warrant Round-Up is a joint effort of the Smith County Judicial Compliance Department, Smith County Pre-Trial, 911 Center, Smith County Fire Marshall, Smith County Sheriff’s office, Smith County Constables and the law firm of Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, L.L.P.