'Operation Second Chance' Returns For December In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Law enforcement agencies across Santa Clara County are collaborating again this holiday season to offer residents a way to resolve certain warrants without jail time.

Throughout December, Operation Second Chance allows eligible people to clear up non-violent, misdemeanor warrants with a citation and a new court date without a trip to county jail. The program is a partnership between the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office and city police departments.

According to the county, the program has helped more than 3,500 people avoid jail time between 2007 and 2017. Operation Second Chance applies to most misdemeanor warrants, regardless of bail amount, but excludes:

• Felony warrants
• Warrants marked "No Cite and Release"
• Any warrant involving violence (including domestic violence)
• Any warrant involving a firearm
• Any warrant involving resisting arrest
• Any warrant involving giving false information to a peace officer.

Qualifying residents can visit any law enforcement agency in Santa Clara County to receive their citation and a "promise to appear" court date. The sheriff's office also encourages those with ineligible warrants to turn themselves in to resolve their warrants with the court.

Operation Second Chance kicked off Sunday and will run through the end of the month.