Court Fees Waived During McHenry Co. Clerk's Office Amnesty Week

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The McHenry County Clerk's Office will host an amnesty week from Sept. 12 to Sept. 16, which will allow residents to avoid collection fees and interest on unpaid traffic tickets as well as past due criminal case fines.

“The amnesty week event is to give people the opportunity to get current with the court on their past due fines and fees,” McHenry County Circuit Clerk Kathy Keefe said. “We are excited to offer this for the first time in McHenry County to assist citizens with the opportunity for a fresh start.”

During amnesty week, court patrons can avoid additional fees by paying the original amount due before the case is turned over to collections. Anyone who has a balance due on a criminal, traffic, DUI, ordinance or conservation violation will be able to pay their total due minus any late fees and collection interest which have accumulated, according to a news release from the McHenry County Clerk's Office.

“We hope that providing this service may ease a little of the burden that some individuals who owe outstanding balances to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court may be facing,” Keefe said.

This does not apply to any fines and costs which have already been paid, or any tax refunds which have been applied against what is due and owing.

Individuals who wish to participate in this program may ask for a quote in their case or cases by sending an e-mail to CircuitClerk@McHenryCountyIL.gov or calling 815-334-4190. The quoted amount will be the amount due less any late fees and collection interest.

Payments can be made online at www.McHenryCircuitClerk.org, by mail, or in person from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the McHenry County Circuit Clerk’s office, 2200 N. Seminary Ave, Room 136, Woodstock, IL 60098. Payments can be made with cash, personal check, credit card or debit card.

Anyone with questions about amnesty week may call 815-334-4190 or e-mail CircuitClerk@McHenryCountyIL.gov for further information.