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Judge Offers Amnesty To Juveniles With Outstanding Warrants

Kerry Hada: They Can Reach Plea Deal, Pay Fine, Avoid Jail

POSTED: 6:05 pm MST January 6, 2010
UPDATED: 10:59 am MST January 7, 2010

If you have an outstanding warrant, you know what it's like being constantly on the lookout for police.

If your warrant is out of Denver County Juvenile Court, Division 191-J, there is good news. Judge Kerry Hada wants to give you a break.

Hada is re-implementing an amnesty program that will allow people with warrants more than a year old to come in, visit with attorneys, reach a plea agreement, pay a fine and avoid jail.

"No one will go to jail," Hada told 7NEWS. "No one will be arrested."

The amnesty program is referred to as RAP or Restore Accountability Program.

It will take place one day only, Feb. 16, in Hada’s courtroom, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

"The Colorado Criminal Defense Bar has volunteered to provide attorneys, so we're going to have a lot of attorney free of charge to everybody," the judge said.

"My objective is to get rid of all these cases," Hada added. "We have assaults... small things such as curfew... possession of marijuana and possession of graffiti materials."

Hada said those violations as juveniles can come back to haunt people when they become adults, even if they’ve moved to a different state.

"All it takes is a simple traffic stop," the judge said. "A lot of times they turn around, click, click, on go the handcuffs, and they’re remanded into custody."

Hada says those with outstanding warrants can’t get a driver’s license until the warrants or tickets are cleared.

Hada wants to clear the caseload before he and his staff move into the new Justice Center.

When asked how many cases he deals with and how many are still outstanding, Hada replied, "We expect to see 6,400 cases this year. There are thousands still outstanding."

He said those taking part in the amnesty program should be prepared to pay a minimum fine and court costs or take part in a work program.

If they choose the work program, there will be a bus standing by to transport them to the Salvation Army’s food bank.

"They’ll box food to help seniors, disabled or needy people," Hada said. "They can take care of the warrant and pay off their debt all at once. It’s one stop shopping."

Parents whose children appeared in Hada’s court Wednesday said the amnesty plan is a welcome idea.

"I think what he’s doing is great," said one parent.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity for these young people to square things away," said another.

"It gives them a chance to keep their futures bright," said a third.

Hada said individuals taking part in the amnesty program should bring identification and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If your parent or legal guardian cannot join you, you may still appear and set a future date that works for them.

"We've put this on Facebook and on Twitter, so they can check these things anonymously," Hada said.

Find out more information on Facebook. And, to avoid long lines, call the RAP line at 720-865-8099 to make a reservation.

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