Baker City Court Offers Amnesty for Outstanding Warrants

Program allows eligible individuals to clear bench warrants without fear of arrest

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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For the entire month of February, people with outstanding bench warrants in Baker City Court have an opportunity to clear them. Court officials said the goal is to help individuals resolve cases early in the year and avoid future legal trouble. The amnesty program allows eligible individuals to recall bench warrants without having to pay the usual recall fee upfront.

Why it matters

The amnesty program is designed to remove financial and emotional barriers that often prevent people from coming forward to address outstanding warrants. By offering this opportunity, the court aims to help individuals resolve their cases and start the year worry-free.

The details

During the amnesty period, individuals can visit the clerk's office to review their case, determine eligibility, have a warrant recalled, and receive a new court date. While outstanding fines will still apply, the usual bench warrant recall fee does not have to be paid up front. However, the program is not available to those who have previously used amnesty on the same citation or violation.

  • The amnesty program runs through the end of February 2026.
  • Baker City Court is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The players

Judge Kirk Williams

A judge presiding over Baker City Court who said the early part of the year is an ideal time to offer the amnesty program.

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What they’re saying

“Always an excellent time to offer an opportunity for folks to come in and get their business taken care of with the court, but the early part of the year seems to be an ideal time.”

— Judge Kirk Williams, Judge (louisianafirstnews.com)

“The benefit here is, if you don't have the resources, if you're in a position where you say, 'I'll have them in the near future, but I don't want to have this shadow of a bench warrant over me,' this is an opportunity to do that.”

— Judge Kirk Williams, Judge (louisianafirstnews.com)

What’s next

Even if someone misses the February amnesty period, court officials said there will still be opportunities during regular court dates later in the year to address outstanding warrants.

The takeaway

The amnesty program offers a chance for individuals with outstanding bench warrants to clear them without fear of arrest, helping them resolve their cases and start the year with a clean slate. This initiative aims to remove barriers and provide a path for people to address their legal issues early on.