For immediate release
Minneapolis, Minn. (September 11, 2019) – The ACLU of Minnesota, NAACP Minneapolis and other community groups are partnering with Hennepin County District Court to host the first Juvenile Warrant Forgiveness Day and Community Resource Fair Saturday, Sept. 21.
During the free event in North Minneapolis, kids and teens can resolve their misdemeanor warrants, without fear of arrest. If cases can't be resolved there, staff will schedule new court dates.
Warrant Forgiveness Day runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1256 Penn Ave. in North Minneapolis, known as the "Thor Building." The event also features a community resource fair with information on services including health care, education, housing, mental health, chemical dependency, recreation and nutrition.
Juveniles who come to the Warrant Day can meet with Hennepin County public defenders before their hearing with a judge. Representatives from the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the County Attorney's Office also are taking part. Case outcomes can include probation, community service or dismissal. There will be Spanish, Somali and Hmong interpreters.
Young people can do their community service on site by building Little Free Libraries or by making sandwiches for families in need.
“This is a great opportunity for parents and youth to resolve outstanding juvenile warrants and access information about vital human services in a welcoming and enjoyable family environment,” said Judge Mark Kappelhoff, a Juvenile Court judge who is leading the event planning committee. “We are grateful to partner with so many dedicated community-based and government organizations to make this a special event for everyone in our community.”
To learn more or to find out if you have an outstanding juvenile warrant, call Hennepin County District Court at (612) 348-3174. For more information, visit www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Hennepin/Warrant-Forgiveness-Day.
NOTE TO MEDIA: In order to protect the privacy of participating juveniles, members of the media will not be invited to the event. If you would like to interview a judge or other justice partner about Juvenile Warrant Resolution Day and Community Resource Fair before September 21, please contact courts communications specialist Spenser Bickett at (612) 348-5022, c: (612) 801-7583 or spenser.bickett@courts.state.mn.us.
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