Protecting Businesses and Ensuring Accountability Across Our Community
Cold Check Enforcement
Each year, merchants lose millions due to bad checks—over 8,000 bad checks are written daily in Kentucky alone. This drives up the cost of goods and services for everyone. Writing a worthless check is a crime, and the Russell County Attorney’s Office is here to help.
What is the Cold Check Program?
Our Cold Check Enforcement Program is a restitution-driven initiative designed to help merchants recover losses. Offenders must pay the check amount, a $50 handling fee to the merchant, and a $50 administrative fee to our office to avoid prosecution. Those who refuse to pay are vigorously prosecuted.
Why join?
How to Participate
Contact Nicole Sciegaj at 270-343-2121 for more information or to enroll in the program.
Shoplifting Diversion
The Russell County Attorney’s Office offers the Shoplifting Diversion Program (CATS) to help individuals charged with minor shoplifting offenses turn their situation around. This program provides an opportunity to complete an online shoplifting course instead of appearing in court and facing a conviction.
Program Benefits:
Why join?
1. Cost:
The program fee is $180.00.
2. Enrollment Options:
- Online: Print the application and follow the instructions.
- By Phone: Contact Nicole Sciegaj at 270-343-2121 for enrollment assistance or additional details.
Why Choose the CATS Program?
This program offers a second chance to leave a minor mistake in the past and move forward with a clean record and valuable life lessons.
Delinquent Taxes
The Russell County Attorney's Office is committed to supporting our community by collecting delinquent taxes in partnership with the Department of Revenue. When property tax bills become delinquent, they are transferred from the Sheriff to the County Clerk and then submitted to our office as certificates of delinquency for collection
Why join?
1. Notice to Taxpayers
Delinquent taxpayers receive letters advising them of the collection process and the consequences of non-payment, which may include foreclosure.
2. Clerk's Sale
Once advertised and sold by the Clerk, third-party investors can purchase these bills, potentially adding additional fees.
3. Payment Agreements
Taxpayers may avoid the Clerk's sale by entering into installment payment agreements with the County Attorney’s Office. Staying current on payments ensures that the underlying bills are not sold to investors.
While we understand financial difficulties can arise, funding essential services such as schools, roads, health departments, and other government programs relies on everyone paying their fair share of taxes.
Compassionate Solutions
Our office strives to provide flexible payment options for taxpayers in need. By entering into an agreement, you can avoid additional fees, prevent foreclosure, and support the services that benefit the entire community.
Hunting Violations
The Russell County Attorney’s Office offers the Hunting Violations Diversion Program (CATS) to help individuals charged with minor hunting offenses resolve their cases responsibly. This program provides the opportunity to complete an online hunting violations course instead of appearing in court and facing a conviction
Program Benefits:
Enrollment Information:
1. Cost:
The program fee is $180.00.
2. Enrollment Options:
- Online: Print the application and follow the instructions.
- By Phone: Contact Nicole Sciegaj at 270-343-2121 for enrollment assistance or additional details.
Why Choose the CATS Program?
This program allows you to take accountability for a minor mistake, learn valuable lessons, and move forward with a clean record.