Clerk of Courts Hits $3 Million In Delinquency Collections

The Bucks County Clerk of Courts Office has hit a major milestone in its effort to claw back years of unpaid legal debts, the office announced this week.

As of March 10, the county’s Delinquency Recovery Program, known as DRiP, has collected more than $3 million in outstanding court-related costs since its inception.

The program targets a mix of unpaid court fines, administrative fees, and restitution owed to victims of crime.

“This milestone reflects my commitment to responsible financial management, support for victims, and fairness in the administration of justice,” said Eileen Hartnett Albillar, the Bucks County clerk of courts.

The program works by identifying delinquent accounts and using targeted outreach and “manageable payment arrangements” to bring people back into compliance.

According to Albillar, the goal is to balance enforcement with ease for those who owe money.

“Recovering these funds ensures that court-ordered obligations are fulfilled while providing individuals with structured opportunities to resolve their debts,” she said.

The program’s roots in Bucks County date back to 2020.

DRiP was originally launched under former Clerk of Courts Brian Munroe. The initiative was spearheaded by Michael Paston, who served as first deputy, and brought the recovery model to Bucks County from his previous post in Montgomery County. The program was developed in Westmoreland County.

Beyond balancing the books, the Clerk of Courts Office noted the human element of the collections.

By recovering restitution, the program ensures that those who suffered financial losses due to criminal activity receive the compensation ordered by a judge.

Additional recovered funds are funneled back into the operation of the courts and other essential services tied to the county’s criminal justice system.

Since 2020, the office says the program has significantly reduced the volume of long-standing dormant cases by offering to those who might otherwise be unable to pay in a single lump sum, the office said.

The Clerk of Courts Office, which serves as the official record-keeper for the county’s criminal court system, said it is continuing to refine the program to ensure it remains transparent and fair.

Residents who believe they may have an outstanding balance are encouraged to contact the Clerk of Courts Office directly to discuss their options for resolution.