Court sets up 2 easy ways to pay debt to society

Paying your debt to society just became easier via a drop box at the Carson City Courthouse and a Web site that accepts payment of fines, fees and restitution with a credit card.

Last week, workers installed a receptacle outside the front doors of the courthouse in which people can pay traffic tickets, fines or fees due to the court.

The drop box, under 24-hour surveillance, removes the need to go through the security check point or talk to a court clerk.

The drop box's first user was a man coming to pay his fine Wednesday who didn't want to remove his suspenders to go through the metal detector, a bailiff said.

People can deposit an envelope containing a check or money order for the amount owed, a copy of their citation, or a piece of paper that indicates the case number to which the money should be applied.

Alternative Sentencing Chief Rory Planeta said payment should be posted by the following afternoon. People can call 887-2064 to check.

In addition to the drop box, there is also a site online where one can pay fines, fees, traffic tickets and restitution with a debit, credit card or bank account number. People on alternative sentencing or their family members can pay for electronic monitoring.

"We decided to beef up our online stuff since everyone uses it," said Planeta. "We are trying to use technology to our advantage for convenience."

The Web site also allows for payments to a number of city services including Latchkey, library fines, property taxes, water and sewer fees, business licenses and marriage licenses.