JONESBORO, Ark. – A press release on Thursday indicates a very important opportunity for those currently going through the criminal justice system who may have made mistakes along the way.
The onset of COVID-19 and the Governor’s declaration of a state emergency in Arkansas on March 11, 2020 have drastically affected the normal course of our activities. The state judicial system is no exception. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arkansas Supreme Court issued a series of Per Curiam Opinions which restricted in-person judicial proceedings and tolled the calculation of “Speedy Trial” time under Rule 28.3 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure. Further, a large number of persons with pending felony charges in the Circuit Court of Craighead County have missed scheduled court dates since March 11, 2020.
The Circuit Court of Craighead County, Criminal Division will be holding an “Amnesty Day” at the Craighead County Courthouse on October 1, 2020, at 9:00 am. Anyone who has missed his or her court date on a felony criminal case in the CIRCUIT COURT of CRAIGHEAD COUNTY (in either Jonesboro or Lake City) since March 1, 2020 must appear on October 1st to sign and receive an order rescheduling his or her case. Those who appear on October 1st at 9:00 am will have any outstanding arrest warrants set aside and court dates rescheduled. Those that have missed their court date and do not appear on October 1, 2020 at 9:00 am will have a felony warrant issued for Failure to Appear and possible action taken to revoke their bonds.
Press Release
Wow… It actually takes something as bad as the covid-19 virus to inspire the local law enforcement( the largest street gang in Craighead county) , to show any form of mercy and grace!