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August 1, 2017
For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact:
Leah Dziekan
Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office
(847) 377-3363
ldziekan@lakecountyil.gov
"Operation Green Light" a Success
At today’s
Law and Judicial Committee meeting, Lake County Circuit Clerk, Erin Cartwright
Weinstein, presented the results of “Operation Green Light”, a joint initiative
with Lake County State’s Attorney, Michael G. Nerheim that allowed for the
removal of collection fees and interest from criminal and traffic cases.
The
initiative, which ran from July 17, 2017 through July 21, 2017, offered individuals
a week-long amnesty period in which any collection fees and accrued interest on
outstanding traffic and criminal fines were waived. Harris & Harris, Lake County’s collection
agency agreed to waive their collection fees during the initiative, giving
individuals the opportunity to pay off their fines and court costs without
penalty of the additional fees. Announcement
of the initiative began in early June.
During the
presentation, Clerk Cartwright Weinstein explained that the initiative provided
an opportunity to honor the legacy of late County Board Member Audrey
Nixon. Nixon, who passed away
unexpectedly this past April and served as the chair for the Law and Judicial
Committee, was a firm believer in giving people second chances. “Audrey spent the past year working on a
similar program,” stated Circuit Clerk Cartwright Weinstein. “Although that program was not able to move
forward, it made sense to bring this initiative to the community.” Cartwright Weinstein continued to explain
that the initiative did not remove any statutorily required or court ordered
fines, fees or costs. The program merely
waived the collection fees and interest that were added to cases once they
entered the collection process because those are the only amounts where relief
can be provided.
“Audrey
understood the challenges individuals face in meeting their court ordered
obligations.” stated Cartwright Weinstein.
“This program was intended to ease that burden.”
During
“Operation Green Light,” the Circuit Clerk’s Office collected $172,704.63 in
outstanding balances, waived $165,383.43 in combined collection fees and
interest, and closed a total of 450 cases as paid in full. Added conveniences such as over the phone
payment processing as well as four different payment locations offered
throughout the county helped contribute to the program’s success.
“I am
thankful for the cooperation of the Lake County State’s Attorney and the Lake
County court collection agency Harris and Harris. Without their support, this initiative would
not have been possible.” stated Erin Cartwright Weinstein. The Circuit Clerk is hopeful that the success
of “Operation Green Light” will lead the way for future initiatives similar to
the amnesty program.
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