DeKalb Warrant Relief Days Extended Through May

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Those with certain outstanding misdemeanor warrants from a DeKalb County law enforcement agency have until the end of the month to turn themselves in and avoid being jailed before their court hearing.

The sheriff's office first launched the "Warrant Relief" program from May 4-6, but decided to extend it to be held each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through the end of May, according to a news release from the DCSO.

“It’s understandable that people are apprehensive about turning themselves in to law enforcement authorities under any circumstances,” Sheriff Melody Maddox said in the release. “Those who did, however, realize the advantage of being able to get on with their lives while they wait for their day in court.”

The program allows those with outstanding arrest warrants for certain misdemeanor offenses to surrender and avoid being booked in jail. When they turn themselves in voluntarily, they can receive an unsecured judicial release, or a free bond. The charges are not dismissed, but the accused can remain out of jail until their court date.

People can turn themselves in between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays through the end of May at the DeKalb County Jail, located at 4425 Memorial Drive in Decatur.

Exceptions include the following misdemeanor charges or circumstances, according to the sheriff's office:

• stalking;
• domestic violence;
• simple battery;
• battery;
• simple assault;
• cruelty to children;
• violating a family violence order;
• disorderly conduct;
• six or more shoplifting charges;
• second DUI offense within five years;
• fourth lifetime offense for driving with a suspended license;
• hit and run;
• misdemeanor vehicular homicide;
• attempting to elude;
• and misdemeanor habitual violator.

To learn if there is a warrant for your arrest on a misdemeanor charge that qualifies for warrant relief days, email the Warrant Unit of the DeKalb Sheriff's Office at warrantrelief@dekalbcountyga.gov.

At the end of the warrant relief days, arrests for remaining outstanding warrants will be enforced.

You can view a video tour of the warrant relief process below: