Traffic violators can catch a break

Anyone with an outstanding traffic ticket will be thankful this week for a new moratorium of sorts placed on such fines by the Las Vegas Municipal Court.

Residents with citations that do not require mandatory court orders or court appearances may resolve their cases and save up to $300 per case by paying the initial fines now at the court.

The moratorium, which begins today, is available daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 30.

"We've had quite a turnout in the past," said Sandra Mueller, who runs the traffic moratorium for the court. "We really hope we do this year, too."

Last year's moratorium was such a huge success, the court decided to continue the tradition this year.

In 1998 the court took in $279,687 in revenue during the moratorium. A total of 3,255 defendants resolved 5,611 cases last year.

Those figures were up substantially from the 1997 moratorium, which saw just 1,007 defendants resolve 1,080 cases. A total of $89,000 in revenue came in that year.

"We want people to take care of business, so we are waiving warrant fees on cases with up to three warrants this year," Chief Judge Seymore Brown said.

Drivers with a fourth warrant on their case may pay all outstanding fees and fines in lieu of serving mandatory jail time, Brown added.

Defendants who failed to appear on their original cases may save up to $165 by paying the original fine and fees if their charge doesn't require a mandatory court appearance or court order.

To qualify, original bail amounts and a $30 failure to appear fine must be paid.

Some motorists will be eligible for installments by paying a $25 fee at the court.

Payment of fines can be made with cash, credit or debit cards, money orders, cashier's checks or Western Union Quick Collect Funds. No personal or business checks will be accepted.

Charges requiring mandatory court appearances, such as proof of insurance, no vehicle registration, no driver's license, fictitious license plates, reckless driving and speeding in a school zone, will be placed on the court's calendar during available traffic court sessions. Other cases can be handled by going to the municipal court on the plaza of City Hall, 400 E. Stewart Ave.

Motorists should take a number and ask whether they qualify for the moratorium when they are called to the counter. More details about the moratorium are located at the city's website: www.ci.las-vegas.nv.us.

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