McHenry County Clerk Announces Amnesty Week to Help People Pay Fines

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

Anyone who owes money due to a criminal offense or traffic violation will be able to pay the total amount without any late fees or interest charges that may have accrued.

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

“Amnesty Week has been a real success story since we launched it in 2022 – last year almost trebled the number of participants and we hope that even more people will take advantage of the service as word continues to spread,” said District Secretary Cathy Keefe. “And we’re excited to once again partner with Prairie State Legal Services and the McHenry County Bar Association to help people who have turned their lives around clean up their criminal records.”

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

People can request an estimate of the amount owed on their case, minus fees and interest, by emailing [email protected] or calling 815-334-4190. Payment can be made online at www.mchenrycircuitclerk.orgin person at the County Clerk’s office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., by phone, or by mail at the office at 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. Payments can be made by cash, personal check, credit or debit card.

The expungement clinic will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock. Participants must register in advance at https://pslegal.org/event-details/details/263/McHenry-Criminal-Records-Relief-Clinic.