Roughly 100 people took advantage of the inaugural “Amnesty Day” on March 18, 2024, which was the brainchild of Northern Division County Court Judge Adam Myser.
Held in conjunction with the county’s Divisional Court Judges, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Belmont County Department of Jobs and Family Services – Child Support Division, the Belmont County Public Defender’s Office, as well as the Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office, Amnesty Day invited Belmont County residents with suspended driver’s licenses the opportunity to obtain a valid license by addressing their problems without fear of arrest or prosecution. The program sought to work with people to help them address – not eliminate – the issues preventing them from getting a valid license.
The charge of Driving Under Suspension is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. Most people lose their driver’s license because of past driving offenses, or the failure to pay associated court fines and/or costs. But many others have their license suspended for failing to pay court ordered child support.
Of the program, Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan said, “Our goal is always to help people become valid again and to avoid a prosecution if at all possible. I’m very pleased Amnesty Day was able to help so many people avoid further legal problems without setting them up to fail in the future. I look forward to helping more people next year.”
The Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to fostering a safer and more connected community through proactive engagement and outreach initiatives. Our Community Outreach Program aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement, the legal system, and the residents of Belmont County. By working together, we can address concerns, promote understanding, and enhance public safety for all.