Pike County defendants looking to “start over” and get court fines and payments out form over their heads will have a special opportunity on December 13.

A specially appointed judge will be at the Pike County Courthouse to meet with defendants that have owed restitution to victims for many years.

“A few years ago, the state implemented RRIVA (Restitution and Recovery Program for Victims in Alabama) and recruited retired judges to assist, due to the large dockets our judges currently manage,” said Jamie Scarbrough, Pike County circuit clerk. “Some people will receive notices to appear, but if you are a defendant and you want or need a “start over,” making affordable payments, call my office to be placed on the docket. This would be a great way to start a new year, working towards not having “old court fees” looming over you. It does not matter how old the cases are. Some cases on the docket for next month date back to the early 90s.”

Scarbrough said 200 people are already scheduled, with 900 cases between them.

“This is to facilitate money to the victims where people stopped making payments or were unable to make payments,” Scarbrough said. “They can renegotiate what they can afford to pay each month. Some of these cases are over 20 years old and preventing people from getting their license back. You never want the court over your head in any way. State can hold income tax refunds if you don’t pay fines.”

The circuit clerk’s office can be reached at 334-566-5113. Scarbrough said the office will prepare paperwork ahead of time for people who call and set up to be on the docket.