James Thomas is a 48-year-old veteran with multiple disabilities. who relies on Security income and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In 2013, he was homeless; his sole source of income was SNAP (food stamps). On a rainy night, James took shelter under a bridge and was arrested for criminal trespass. Mr. Thomas was found guilty and assessed court costs. He advised the clerk of his circumstances and never heard anything else about the outstanding debt until 2016, when he was denied a Tennessee’s driver’s license. The revocation process is automatic, neither the Court Clerk nor the Tennessee Department of Safety considered Mr. Thomas’s ability to pay his fines and fees before revoking his license. He needs his driver’s license to get to his many medical appointments. It take him hours on the bus to get to and from these appointments and he is usually in pain because of his disabilities. Mr. Thomas cannot afford to pay the $289.70 in fines and fees that he owes, the $65 reinstatement fee, and the additional application fee necessary to regain his driving privileges.
Source: Thomas v. Haslam