HAMTRAMCK — The City of Hamtramck and the 31st District Court have teamed  up to offer a month-long amnesty program, titled “Make It Right In May” that is designed to encourage individuals and businesses to “make right” any outstanding violations they may have with the City, or the court.  

Under this first time ever city-wide program, which will run the entire month of May, the City and the court are reaching out to individuals and business owners who have outstanding issues, such as business licenses, dog licenses, building permits/inspections, water bills, and income tax filings and may qualify for the amnesty program. 

The 31st District Court portion of the program includes all parking tickets, civil infractions and misdemeanor files with outstanding judgments through 12/31/12. This also includes misdemeanor files in warrant status. The Court will be waiving the $30 late fee, 20% penalty fee, bench warrant and show cause fee. This represents a significant savings for those individuals who choose to take advantage of this program. 

For individuals unable to appear in court during regular business hours, the Hamtramck Police Department will be hosting a “Safe Surrender” program on two consecutive Saturdays: May 11 and May 18, from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Corinthian Baptist Church, located at 1725 Caniff Street, Hamtramck, MI 48212. 

Individuals that have been sentenced by the Court, and currently have a warrant for their arrest, will have the $30 late fee, a 20% penalty fee, a bench warrant and show cause fee waived as well. Individuals that have not been arraigned will be allowed to post a bond and will be given a court date. 

Citizens may contact the appropriate City office at 313.876.7700 to make payment on past due bills without penalty. Payments must be made in full, and personal checks will not be accepted. Credit cards are accepted at the 31st District Court and the City Treasurer’s Office. After the period of amnesty, the City and the courts warn that no further consideration will be given and enforcement will resume as usual.