A Boston Church is working with US Marshall’s to arrange a “safe surrender” for those with non-violent outstanding warrants in Suffolk County, for 4 days only, from Oct 6 to Oct 9th.
As reported in the Globe The Jubilee Christian Church will host the proceedings, although you may also go to any Boston Municipal Court during that time-frame as well, and get the same treatment.
The program offers most non-violent offenders a chance to potentially clear outstanding warrants for failure to appear that may be hanging over their heads. Law enforcement, in cooperation with the church, will make a good faith effort to resolve these cases with fines, community service, or other minor penalties. According to the official site, 98% of those who meet the criteria go home that day, and are not taken into custody.
The criteria for the safe surrender program are:
- non-violent misdemeanor or felony charge
- no extensive criminal record
- suffolk county court warrants ONLY
- no juvenile, neglect, child support, or domestic violence case
Is this program too good to be true? It seems to be on the level, but if you are not sure, you can speak to an attorney beforehand to make sure you are eligible, and will be treated fairly in the process. Public defenders will be on site so you can speak with them before turning yourself in.
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More at the Official Mass Safe Surrender site.
