PUBLIC SAFETY | SERVICES

MUNICIPAL COURT PROVIDES RELIEF DURING COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be one of the most financially difficult seasons of recent years past. Many Tyler residents suffered from illness, unemployment and other unimaginable burdens. In order to help those under tremendous stress, the City of Tyler created a new short-term program to offer relief to residents. In the fall of 2020, the Tyler Municipal Court rolled out a new plan to reduce the cost of certain fees and fines.

According to Judge Amy McCullough, compliance has increased, and the costs have decreased since the plan’s debut. McCullough has been able to reduce fines or costs up to $1,000 for some defendants, depending upon how many cases they have open in court. The City believes this has been a very productive plan. This program has not only helped its people, but has also helped the court in clearing up warrants dating back to the ‘90s.

In order to qualify for a reduced price, people had to speak either with Judge McCullough or a clerk to discuss their financial situation, as well as plead guilty or enter no contest for their charges.

The City of Tyler’s COVID-19 relief program ended on December 31, 2020. However, the court plans to reevaluate the situation with the pandemic, and decide whether to implement new, more creative programs for 2021.