D.C. officials are trying to cut the number of number people wanted on bench warrants in the city through a “safe surrender” program in which those fugitives can turn themselves in and resolve their cases. People with bench warrants — which are issued when a defendant doesn’t show up for a court hearing or violates probation or parole — in misdemeanor or nonviolent felony cases are eligible. That’s about 12,000 people.
Those people can turn themselves in at the Moultrie Courthouse, located at 500 Indiana Ave. NW, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 13, Aug. 20 or Aug. 27.
The safe surrender program lets fugitives resolve their warrants and avoid a confrontation with an officer trying to arrest them, said Paul Quander, the District’s deputy mayor for public safety.
Judges are likely to give more favorable treatment to offenders who turn themselves in, rather than those authorities have to track down, said Lee Satterfield, chief judge for D.C. Superior Court.
“When you walk in on a warrant, you take responsibility,” he said.
The District held a similar surrender program in 2007, when more than 500 people turned themselves in. Only 10 were taken into custody; the rest returned home the same day, some with their cases fully resolved.
The program is a way for offenders “to do the right thing and do it now,” Satterfield said. “It is an opportunity for individuals to move on with their lives.”
Officials said they hope hundreds of people come to resolve their warrants.
Public defenders will be available for those without their own attorneys. The lawyers will advise people of their options, make sure they understand what’s happening and represent them before the judges, said Avis Buchanan, director of the District’s Public Defender Service.
The defense attorneys will make sure the fugitives get “due consideration” for coming to court voluntarily, she said.
Quander said people turning themselves in are encouraged to bring family members with them.
“We want them to come in off the streets, and we want them to restart with their family and friends,” he said.
A list of people who have outstanding bench warrants and are eligible for the safe surrender program is available at dcsafesurrender.org.
