Operation Clean Slate: Helping veterans resolve pending charges

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — In honor of Veterans Day, five counties across the Cape Fear are coming together to help those who have fought for our country. However, it is not a ceremony, instead it is a chance for veterans and their spouses to resolve pending charges.

“Lets treat it like it happened last night,” New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David said. “Lets put this thing back in a courtroom and lets deal with it honestly and sincerely.”

The one day event is called Operation Clean Slate. It gives veterans the opportunity to resolve pending non-violent misdemeanors, traffic citations, and other offenses.

“Intoxicated and disruptive, misdemeanor larceny, minor offenses that lots of our folks have had because they’ve fallen on hard times,” Chief District Court Judge Jay Corpening said.

If you missed your court date, you now have the opportunity to start over.

“This is not a hand out, this is a hand up for those that always are willing to do the extra mile and serve their country.” North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts Director Marion Warren said.

David along with his brother, Brunswick, Columbus and Bladen counties District Attorney Jon David announced Operation Clean Slate Thursday afternoon among co-workers and other local leaders.

Veterans who may have outstanding warrants in multiple counties will have the chance to clear up all issues at once.

“Frequently someone who misses court for even minor traffic events can have this incident quickly snowball into a series unforseen events,” Jon David said. “Such that they might be arrested, or have their license suspended over a speeding ticket.”

With Operation Clean State, court costs, fines, or arrest warrants regarding past missed court dates will be waived. It is one way the Brunswick, Pender, Columbus, New Hanover, and Bladen counties are giving back to those who have fought for our nation.

“This is an opportunity for that young veteran to come in and take this initiative, clear the record, and not become homeless and have a job.” Brunswick County Veterans Coalition Chairman, Gary Crowden said.

The one day event will take place at the New Hanover County Courthouse in courtroom 317 Friday, November 17. If you are eligible, contact the clerk’s office in the county where you have pending charges to get the documents needed to appear in court in Wilmington.