Criminal Court News

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— For the first time ever, the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk’s Office will accept partial payments – slashed by up to 50 percent – for some older outstanding court obligations and allow those who owe previous fines to wipe the slate clean.

“This is a special opportunity never offered before,” said Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond, adding that it’s no coincidence that the discount comes as folks receive IRS refunds.

“We hope people take advantage of this offer during tax season to settle their outstanding court financial obligations at a reduced cost,” Hammond said.

The fines are tied to General Sessions Criminal Division cases from 2013 through 2017. State law says criminal court clerks can accept “a lump-sum payment in full settlement” for fines that have been in default for at least five years.

“We want to fulfill the office’s mission of collecting court financial obligations while providing the public an opportunity to settle their owed court costs at a reduced rate,” Hammond said.

Hammond’s office is collaborating with Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, a law firm focused on providing government agencies delinquent collection services, to expand the program to as many people as possible.

To find out if a case qualifies for what Hammond is calling a “tax season offer,” please call the law firm at 888-703-5315 or visit www.pbfcm.com.

The deadline to apply is July 1, 2024.