DOVER, Del. - The Delaware Judiciary has announced the state's second Safe Surrender event, where people with outstanding warrants and capiases a chance to clear their records.
The judiciary says the one-stop, day-long event will take place on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m at the Kent County Courthouse in Dover. The previous event, which took place in Wilmington last May, has almost 450 people attend.
“Our May event in Wilmington was a great success, so much so we felt it would be worth holding it again, but this time in Kent County,” said Justice of the Peace Court Chief Magistrate Alan Davis. “While this is being held in Kent County, to be more convenient to folks in the Dover area, it is not exclusively for Kent County residents. Anyone who has an outstanding warrant or capias can attend and get special consideration. As I said in May, and reiterate now, these events give people a chance to reclaim a part of their lives so they can stop looking over their shoulder. Judges are not looking to simply inflict punishment. They are looking for solutions, and events like this give us an opportunity to make that clear."
The judiciary says that there are more than 6 judges set aside to help out at the event. They say public defenders, prosecutors, police and probation officers will all be on hand to help people clear any pending failure to appear, failure to pay – including child support – or other outstanding warrants quickly and efficiently.
Officials note that, though this is not an amnesty event, those who come forward will get special consideration and the majority of those that do will get their warrants cleared. They say the event gives people the chance to address their case in a collaborative environment.
“I want to commend the Delaware Judiciary for holding events like this where our neighbors can get a second chance to resolve their legal matters, clear their records and get on with their lives,” said Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Dover. “I also want to thank my colleague Senator Darius Brown for playing a key role in getting these safe surrender events underway again after a nearly 15-year hiatus. This kind of cooperation between Delaware’s legislative and judicial branch for the betterment of our communities is exactly what we should be doing more of, and I’m thrilled that we're bringing this event to Kent County.”
Officials say there will also be several service providers set up on the green, next to the courthouse.
People in attendance are allowed to bring one guest.