Rockdale residents facing municipal charges in Loganville, Ga. may want to take advantage of an amnesty period in the month of August.

In an effort to clear a backlog of old cases and collect unpaid fines, the Loganville municipal court is giving belated violators a chance to address their charges and fines without the additional $100 contempt of court fees. Those with failure to appear warrants will also be allowed to pay their fees and fines without being arrested during the amnesty period. Cases involving a driver's license suspension will have driving privileges reinstated once the fines are paid and the cases is closed.

According to a released statement, Loganville Judge Brad Brownlow expects to clear a large number of cases with the program. "We have a backlog of over 800 cases with unpaid fines. This will be their last opportunity to clear their cases withotu facing arrest and possible jail time," said Brownlow. "In these tough economic times, the removal of a $100 contempt fee may be the best reason to come forward and clear an old case."

The court estimates there is currently $230,000 in unpaid fines on the books, with some cases dating back to 1988. The court is located at 605 Tom Brewer Road, and open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information, call 770-466-8087.