Last Updated on January 15, 2024, 9:10 PM | Published: January 15, 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY — If you have overdue tickets with the City of Oklahoma City, there is a way for you to clear warrants for those at a reduced cost.
If you do, it will help avoid losing your license or perhaps even your job.
Under the penalty reduction program, tried for the first time in OKC in 2019, you can pay off old tickets for far less than if you went in to have them cleared without the program.
In a press release, Municipal Court staff gave this example: “An overdue speeding ticket in warrant status could cost up to $613 to resolve — $420 for fines, costs and fees, plus $193 for a failure to appear charge. But it can be resolved for $155 during the penalty reduction program.”
First instituted July 1, 2019, the program has been perfected over the several times it has been in place since then, making it a very effective way to help people stay out of jail and on the job.
You will not be arrested
Presiding OKC Municipal Judge Philippa James told Free Press back in 2019 that so many people are afraid to come to the courthouse to resolve warrants because they think that they will be arrested. But, especially with this program, that has not been the case.
“If they walk in that building on their own, they are NOT going to be arrested. We are going to help them get that ticket resolved,” Judge Philippa James told Free Press back then.
If you cannot pay
But, if you cannot afford to pay even that fine, you can ask to see a judge and explain your financial circumstances. The judge will then determine your ability to pay.
It is a feature of the OKC municipal courts that Judge James instituted when she first became the presiding judge.
While serving as a regular municipal judge, James had seen how poverty could compound the problems people have with the law when they could not pay fines.
What to do
Call (405) 297-3898 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays) or visit the Municipal Court Customer Service Window, 701 Couch Drive, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but holidays to pay the ticket or request a hearing about financial difficulties. You can also visit okc.gov/court for an online payment link and other details.
Founder, publisher, and editor of Oklahoma City Free Press. Brett continues to contribute reports and photography to this site as he runs the business.
