McHenry County Clerk announces Amnesty Week to help people pay fines

WOODSTOCK, Ill. (WLS) — The McHenry County Circuit Clerk’s Office will waive some past-due criminal and traffic fines and fees.

Anyone with a balance owed due to a criminal offense or a traffic violation can pay the total amount without late fees and any collection interest.

This is the third year McHenry County has offered this program.

“Amnesty Week has been a true success story since we introduced it in 2022 – the number of participants nearly tripled last year, and we hope even more people will take advantage of the service as the word continues to spread,” said Circuit Clerk Kathy Keefe. “And we are pleased to once again partner with Prairie State Legal Services and the McHenry County Bar Association to help people who have turned their lives around working to clear their criminal records.”

It starts Friday and runs until next Friday, November 15.

People can request a quote for the amount owed in their case, minus fees and interest, by emailing [email protected] or calling 815-334-4190. Payments can be made online at www.mchenrycircuitclerk.orgin person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, by telephone or by mail to the office at 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. Payments may be made by cash, personal check, credit or debit card.

The Expungement Clinic will take place on Friday, November 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock. Visitors must register in advance via https://pslegal.org/event-details/details/263/McHenry-Criminal-Records-Relief-Clinic.