Public Notice Detail

Washington County Court Administration is announcing a one-time fine payment reduction opportunity to encourage citizens with outstanding fines to pay their fines at a savings.A one-time 20 percent reduction for Washington County fines will occur only on Saturday, October 2, and Saturday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Government Center, 14949 62nd Street North, in Stillwater, MN.  

Citizens will need to park in Parking Lot "A" at the Government Center and enter the building through the doors marked "North Wing." When inside the building, use the stairway to the second floor. Once on the second floor, turn left, and walk to the "Fine Payment" window at "Court Administration Collections."Security and courts personnel will be on hand. A citizen may also pay a fine by credit card over the telephone by calling 651-430-4434 ONLY between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on October 2 and October 9. Mail-in payments of fines do not qualify for the 20 percent reduction.

One-time fine reduction guidelines:

• Restitution obligations are not eligible for the 20 percent fine reduction.
• Any outstanding restitution obligations must be paid in full BEFORE the 20 percent reduction in court fines will be applied.
• The 20 percent fine reduction is applicable to outstanding debts.Citizens with payment plans are also eligible.
• Payment must be made with a credit card (VISA or MasterCard), cash, or a bank or postal money order.
• NO personal checks will be accepted.
• Please call 651-430-4434 with questions or to predetermine the amount of the reduction if paying by a bank or postal money order.

Actual examples of fines and fine reductions are:

• Careless driving: maximum base fine of $1,000 + $70 fees; 20 percent reduction = $200 savings.
• Failure to stop at a railroad crossing: base fine of $100 + $70 fees; 20 percent reduction = $20 savings.
• Stop sign violation: maximum base fine of $50 + $70 fees; 20 percent reduction = $10 savings.

The one-time reduction also applies to court cases when a collector is involved and is currently working with a defendant or if a previous payment agreement has been made IF all debts owed the Court are paid in full (including restitution).

Court Administrator Chris Volkers said, "In coordination with the Washington County Departments of Community Corrections and the Sheriff's Office, Court Administration is pleased to be able to offer this one-time fine reduction option.It is similar to collection initiatives in other Minnesota counties and has the full support of the county judges and local prosecutors.This fine reduction initiative presents several advantages; a citizen is saving money by paying their fine in full, the courts benefit by lessening the number of outstanding debts and reducing the cost of collections."

Media-only contact:Chris Volkers, Court Administrator, 651-430-6366.