Media Archives - Fines and Fees Justice Center

This Pennsylvania County Wiped Out Millions in Jail Debt

In 2022, Dauphin County ended its pay-to-stay policy, which charged incarcerated people daily fees for their incarceration, but left the outstanding debts intact. After realizing that collection efforts cost nearly …

Should Unpaid Traffic Tickets Lead to Jail Time? This Justice of The Peace Doesn’t Think So.

In Texas, failing to pay fines and fees for low-level traffic offenses can result in arrest warrants. In Harris County, Justice of the Peace Steve Duble has taken a bold …

People in WA Prisons Pay Millions in Fees. Most of It Isn’t Being Used

The Washington Department of Correction manages an “Incarcerated Individual Betterment Fund,” which is funded by fees collected from incarcerated people. Although the fund is intended to improve the welfare of …

Low-Income Kansans Are Going Into Debt Because Unpaid Traffic Tickets Rack up Interest

In Kansas, low-income individuals fall deeper into debt due to unpaid traffic tickets that accrue interest over time. When these fines remain unpaid, they are often transferred to private collection …

Chicago Speed Cameras Fines Motorists over $102 million on 2023

In 2013, Chicago began issuing fines to motorists captured driving in excess of the speed limit. Since then, speed cameras have generated $879 million for the city, sending 9,132,409 tickets …

If You Can’t Afford an Attorney, One Will Be Appointed. And You May Get a Huge Bill

Although the majority of states try to recoup counsel fees for indigent defenders, Iowa charges some of the highest fees. Even in cases where individuals are acquitted, or charges are …

This Louisiana Town Runs Largely on Traffic Fines. If You Fight Your Ticket, the Mayor Is Your Judge.

A Louisiana town that covers 20 blocks with only 226 residents has garnered national attention for its predatory reliance on fines and forfeitures. To make matters worse, Fenton is home …

Court Debt Collection Service Subject to Controversy

Debt collection agencies are prohibited by federal law from threatening arrest because of non-payment. In Oklahoma, seven plaintiffs in a class-action suit are challenging the debt collection practices of Aberdeen …

The Fee Trap: Why Alabama’s Local Governments Can’t Shake Fines and Charges

Local governments in Alabama, constrained by the state’s constitutional limits on raising taxes, impose fees and general charges to fund services. As a result, lower-income people pay a more significant …

Why Automated Speed Cameras Disproportionately Affect Black and Brown Drivers

Automated traffic enforcement is active in nearly 200 communities nationwide. In Chicago, Illinois, speed cameras have been in place since 2013. In 2023, the city generated an extra $120 million …