Lake County announces amnesty period for people with outstanding court fees, fines

Lake County residents who owe court-imposed fees and fines that are more than a year old are eligible to settle up before being charged interest.

On Wednesday, officials announced a 45-day amnesty program that allows residents to pay off fines or court fees resulting from conviction or guilty plea, or the entry of a court-ordered judgment in cases involving felonies, misdemeanors, DUIs, traffic tickets and ordinance violations.

The amnesty period runs from June 1 through July 15.

To qualify, the debt owed must have a date of judgment older than one year.

After the amnesty program expires, outstanding fines and fees owed to the county will be subject to the accrued interest.

Illinois statute allows a 9 percent annual interest to be added to the principal balance owed, and interest can be retroactively added every year since the defendant's date of judgment. For example, a person owing $1,000 since 1998 could have up to $720 in interest added to the debt if the outstanding balance is not paid before July 15.

To take advantage of the program, residents with outstanding fines can call the county's collection agency of Harris & Harris, Ltd at (800) 515-9720.