Thousands of arrest warrants are out in Osceola County.

Some of the misdemeanor offenders are getting a chance to resolve their case in just one day -- without going to jail. The sheriff’s office is working again with the courts for Surrender Day.

For Richard Manning, the Safe Surrender Day two years ago was a chance for him to start fresh.

“There is continuing stress that you are applying to yourself when you know you are running or dodging,” Manning said.

“I prefer that it was away from where I live so my family wasn’t subjected to that,” Manning explained.

With his family in mind, Manning turned himself in. After filing some paper work, he went before a judge. He then found out he wouldn’t be going to jail and instead set a court date for the future.

“It removed stresses on/off my mind so that I could decipher what was going on and what I needed to do. Let me decipher the problems that I was making for myself,” Manning said.

Manning wasn’t the only one who got a break. All 74 people who turned themselves in that day avoided jail.

This opportunity is available to NON-VIOLENT offenders, facing misdemeanors in Osceola County.

Although thousands of notices have been mailed out over the last few weeks the judge, Judge Stefania Janceqicz, is concerned people won’t show up. In the past those who have shown told law enforcement they were concerned the event was a trap.  

“If you meet the criteria that we’ve laid out in the notices that we have provided, then you will not be arrested on this date. You will be given a court date and quite possibly a chance to resolve your case right then and there,” Janceqicz said.

Manning said he understands that people may believe it’s a trick. However he told us Safe Surrender day helped him and could help others too.

“Any forward motion in your life usually leaves to positive outcomes,” he said.

Safe Surrender day is coming up Friday June 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Osceola Heritage Park.

The Sheriff’s Sent this release:

Osceola County Fugitive Safe Surrender Day offers individuals with non-violent misdemeanor warrants the ability to turn themselves in to law enforcement and have their cases adjudicated in a safe and non-violent environment.  The program has been successfully coordinated in cities across the nation.  This one-day event is the third time a joint initiative has been coordinated in Osceola County.  The project is comprised of representatives from the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, Osceola County Government, Osceola County Corrections Department, Osceola County Clerk of Court, Judicial Correction Services, Public Defender’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

Osceola County Fugitive Safe Surrender Day is not an amnesty program, but does offer favorable considerations from the court, often in the form of reduced fines, probation requirements or a new court date as an alternative to incarceration.  The program allows fugitives to take responsibility for their actions, stop running from the law and clear their outstanding warrants.   Individuals should arrive with valid photo ID.   No weapons or children are allowed.

When:                  Friday, June 5; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:                 Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee