web1_DEP.jpg

DEP schedules local public hearings on proposed Atlantic Sunrise pipeline

web1_TTL052717ymca.swim_.jpg

Grants for swim lessons awarded to YMCA’s

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; As county officials begin a crackdown, the Luzerne County Public Defender&#8217;s Office is encouraging those with warrants to seek legal advice.</p><p>Doing so, according to Chief Public Defender Steven M. Greenwald, could keep wanted people out of jail.</p><p>Greenwald explained that state law requires those incarcerated on a warrant be brought before a judge within 72 hours.</p><p>He added, however, sometimes that does not happen.</p><p>For example, if someone were picked up on a warrant this Thursday and couldn&#8217;t make it before a judge Friday, then they would have to sit in jail until at least Tuesday due to the three-day Memorial Day weekend.</p><p>&#8220;People should not under any circumstances turn themselves into the police station before speaking to an attorney,&#8221; Greenwald advised.</p><p>In fact, he said those with warrants should go directly to the prison.</p><p>&#8220;They&#8217;re going to get processed a lot more quickly,&#8221; he said.</p><p>A large amount of warrants, according to Greenwald, are due to people failing to appear in court. He said there are thousands of those warrants issued each year. His office is working with the courts, the county manager, the Luzerne County District Attorney&#8217;s Office, the Luzerne County Sheriff&#8217;s Office, and the warden of the Luzerne County Correctional Facility to eliminate warrants for failing to appear in court.</p><p>&#8220;The public defender&#8217;s office is in the midst of a pilot program to notify people via text of their upcoming court appearances,&#8221; Greenwald said. &#8220;It seems to be working for those who are already our clients.&#8221;</p><p>Greenwald also pointed out there are alternatives to incarceration when it comes to outstanding warrants. He explained that in New York City, if a person with a warrant is pulled over, officers will give him 72 hours to resolve the issue. If it&#8217;s not resolved, they then can be arrested.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Court.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Court.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Travis Kellar</p><p>tkellar@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Travis Kellar at 570-991-6389 or on Twitter @TLNews</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Public defender’s office urges those with warrants to seek legal advice