Associated Press - November 6, 2009 2:45 PM ET

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The warrants are ready in 1,600 traffic court cases in Santa Fe County.

But first, drivers are being given the chance to settle their outstanding tickets before state police conduct a roundup.

The state Administrative Office of the Courts said defendants must show up at the Santa Fe County Magistrate Court at 8 a.m. on Nov. 21 to take advantage of the court's warrant forgiveness program.

The program will not apply to defendants with warrants based on domestic-violence or drunken-driving cases.

Magistrate David Segura said the idea developed because of a large backlog of cases at Magistrate Court.

Segura said he hopes to get 20 percent to 30 percent of the 1,600 people with outstanding tickets and arrest warrants to come to the court.

Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com

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