For a limited time, persons with bench warrants in a municipal court within King County can quash a qualified warrant through the Back on Track warrant amnesty program. This program is available from April 1 through June 30, 2021.
While each court has its own procedure for the program, many warrants under $5,000 will be handled administratively, with the warrant immediately removed and a new court hearing scheduled.
Warrants over $5,000 and those that involve domestic violence, no contact orders, DUIs, physical control, reckless driving or negligent driving 1st degree (amended from a DUI), no matter the amount of the warrant, will be referred to the judge for consideration, depending on court policies.
“This is a great opportunity for people with outstanding arrest warrants in King County to get back on track,” said Bothell Municipal Court Judge Mara Rozzano. “With COVID-19 restrictions, we understand there has been a lot of confusion about how to access the court system, and many people with court dates have been understandably worried about their health and safety. This program allows individuals with qualified warrants to have an outstanding arrest warrant removed and quickly get back into the court system.”
Individuals with an outstanding bench warrant should contact the specific court where the warrant was issued. Requests to quash warrants can be made by phone, email or in writing. The court may require the citation or case number, personal identification, and updated contact information. If the citation or case number is not known, the court will be able to assist in finding that information.
All municipal courts in King County have remote hearing options that do not require in-person contact, including virtual and telephone hearings.
“This pandemic has affected every business and service provider. The courts have also been hit hard. The lack of full in-person operations and technology challenges mean that a lot of people are missing hearings and warrants are being issued. The Back on Track program aims to provide a countywide plan that encourages people to clear these warrants. Renton is a proud partner with neighboring courts to be part of this regional effort,” said Judge Kara Murphy from Renton Municipal Court.
The Back on Track program runs from April 1 through June 30, 2021. Individuals who qualify are strongly encouraged to participate and contact courts today. The following courts are actively participating in the Back on Track program:
Algona (Pacific)
253-929-1140
court@ci.pacific.wa.us
Black Diamond
360-886-7784
court@blackdiamondwa.gov
Bothell
425-487-5587
municourt@bothellwa.gov
Clyde Hill (Kirkland)
425-587-3160
court@kirklandwa.gov
Des Moines
206-878-4597
court@desmoineswa.gov
Enumclaw
360-825-7771
court@ci.enumclaw.wa.us
Federal Way
253-835-3000
MC.MuniCrt@cityoffederalway.com
Hunts Point (Kirkland)
425-587-3160
court@kirklandwa.gov
Issaquah
425-837-3170
municipalcourt@issaquahwa.gov
Kent
253-856-5730
Municipalcourt@kentwa.gov
Kirkland
425-587-3160
court@kirklandwa.gov
Lake Forest Park
206-364-7711
lfpcourt@cityoflfp.com
Maple Valley (Kent)
253-856-5730
Municipalcourt@kentwa.gov
Medina (Kirkland)
425-587-3160
court@kirklandwa.gov
Mercer Island
206-275-7604
court@mercerisland.gov
Newcastle (Mercer Island)
206-275-7604
court@mercerisland.gov
Normandy Park (Des Moines)
206-878-4597
court@desmoineswa.gov
North Bend (Issaquah)
425-837-3170
municipalcourt@issaquahwa.gov
Pacific
253-929-1140
court@ci.pacific.wa.us
Renton
425-430-6550
rmcourt@rentonwa.gov
SeaTac
206-973-4610
municipalcourt@seatacwa.gov
Seattle
206-684-5600
Snoqualmie (Issaquah)
425-837-3170
municipalcourt@issaquahwa.gov
Tukwila
206-433-1840
court@Tukwilawa.gov
Woodinville (Kirkland)
425-587-3160
court@kirklandwa.gov
Yarrow Point (Kirkland)
425-587-3160
court@kirklandwa.gov
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