APOPKA, Fla. – Law enforcement officials in Orange County gave people a unique opportunity to clear up any outstanding warrants without going to jail.
More than a dozen people turned themselves in to surrender safely on Tuesday.
The program gives people a chance to wipe their record clean for the first time in Orange County. The sheriff's office is now part of the Safe Surrender program, which other law enforcement agencies have successfully held in the past. Anyone with an outstanding non-violent/misdemeanor warrant or traffic citation can meet with
a judge to resolve their issues without going to jail.
"We are trying to find a way to get the word out for people who have these misdemeanors they can get on with their lives and get their job," Orange County Sheriff's Captain Steve Lang said.
Deputies say 17 people showed up at the Bridges Center in Apopka on Tuesday morning to clear up any outstanding warrants. They came face to face with a judge
in makeshift courtroom and deputies are hoping many more people will walk through the doors before the day is over.
Tuesday's hearing in Apopka runs until 3:30 p.m.
The next hearing will be October 8 at Open Door Ministries of Orlando in Winter Garden from 7:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m.