OUR TURN: Take care of fines before roundup
Just like last year, the time has come for those wanted on warrants for Class C misdemeanors to settle their debts. Otherwise, the sentence could be a trip to jail.
That’s the message from local law enforcement and area judges, and it’s one that should be followed.
Saturday marks the start of the “Great Texas Warrant Roundup,” a statewide effort to collect on thousands of outstanding warrants issued by more than 200 Texas cities.
As always, Burnet and Marble Falls are taking part. And this year, Horseshoe Bay has joined the effort, too.
Burnet County is also looking to collect on delinquent fines from offenders.
That means scofflaws in these cities or jurisdictions who have warrants or unpaid fines better go see the judge soon or face judgment day.
Officers are warning now they will have no qualms about arresting those with outstanding warrants at work, home or anywhere else.
Officials have been sending letters to folks with unpaid fines, giving them an early warning so they can pay their fees in their respective municipal or county courts.
Most of these offenses are traffic tickets or similar low-level offenses. Certainly it makes no sense to go to jail for not completely stopping at a stop sign.
Yes, the cities also make some money off this effort, but they are bending over backwards to give people a chance to pay before the “bracelets” are slipped around their wrists.
There’s no sense in losing your freedom of movement over a minor violation of the law, even if it’s just for a few hours.
Who has the time … to do time?
Offenders who contact the court prior to the roundup can work out a payment plan to take care of outstanding fines or make other arrangements.
Those who are arrested during the roundup may be taken before a judge to pay their fine, or could be taken directly to jail, officials said.
Even if the offenders aren’t caught during the roundup — which lasts several weeks — some will be ineligible to renew their drivers’ license once it’s expired.
Most would agree that being led from home or work in handcuffs is pretty demeaning. Don’t take that chance. Settle your fines.
Residents who believe they have outstanding warrants may call the Horseshoe Bay municipal court at (830) 598-8741.
In Marble Falls, call (830) 693-7173. In Burnet, call (512) 756-2822.
Just do the right thing, visit the judge and pay your fine.
Otherwise, you might just find yourself a guest of the taxpayers in a room with metal bars, and you want to avoid that.
The River Cities Daily Tribune editorial board includes Dan Alvey, Amber Alvey Weems, Thomas Edwards, Chris Porter and Daniel Clifton.