The Austin Municipal Court and Austin Community Court will launch their annual Warrant Amnesty program later this month, offering individuals a chance to resolve unpaid citations and outstanding warrants without the threat of arrest.
The program will run from March 23 through April 17 and applies to active cases in both courts.
During the amnesty period, individuals who resolve outstanding warrants will have associated warrant fees waived. Court officials emphasized that participants must contact the court to take advantage of the program.
No arrests will be made for individuals who voluntarily appear at any Austin Municipal Court or Community Court location, and no officers will be dispatched to take participants into custody.
For those unable to pay fines in full, the courts will offer alternative options, including payment plans, community service, and hardship waivers for those who qualify.
City officials say the program is designed to encourage compliance while reducing barriers for those with outstanding cases.
“Our Warrant Amnesty program utilizes positive incentives, such as warrant fee waivers in place of the threat of arrest, to encourage compliance with court orders,” said Municipal Court Clerk Mary Jane Grubb. “We want members of the public who have outstanding warrants or unpaid citations to feel comfortable coming forward to discuss their options.”
The program has been held annually since 2018, with the exception of a two-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the initiative resulted in 1,854 warrants being cleared and nearly 18,000 parking citations being dismissed.
Walk-in dockets will be available Monday through Friday throughout the amnesty period, with judges and prosecutors on hand to review cases and determine appropriate resolutions. No appointments are required, and all services are free of charge. Spanish interpreters will also be available.
Residents can check for outstanding warrants or unpaid citations through the Austin court system’s online public portal.
Locations and Hours:
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Austin Municipal Court (Main Location)
6800 Burleson Road, Building 310, Suite 175-
Monday–Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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North Customer Service Center
2121 W. Parmer Lane, Suite 116-
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(For cases not requiring a judge or prosecutor)
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Austin Community Court
505 Barton Springs Road-
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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For more information, residents can call 512-974-4800 or visit the City of Austin’s court website.