Watch CBS News

Santa Clara County Offers Amnesty For Minor Offenses

SAN JOSE (KCBS) -- "Operation Second Chance" is proving to be a big hit in Santa Clara County.

The month-long program allows anyone with a nonviolent misdemeanor warrant or traffic warrant to avoid jail time and obtain a new court date.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department spokesman Rick Sung said they have seen a huge response.

"We're looking at about a 50 percent increase this year compared to last year's numbers," he said. "I think the economy has a lot to do with it. People do not want to take the chance of getting their cars towed and losing their jobs."

Sung said only certain offenses are eligible for the amnesty program.

"The offenses that do not involve any violence or domestic violence or if there are any warrants that have a specific no bail stamp, those do not apply," Sung said.

The warrants can be cleared at any law enforcement agency in Santa Clara County. The program runs through December 31.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.--

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.