Media Archives - Page 8 of 8 - Fines and Fees Justice Center

Orange clerk slashing surcharge imposed by collection companies

This 2015 Orlando Sentinel article describes how waiving surcharges assessed by collection agencies for one weekend led the Orange County Clerk of Courts to lower the rate these companies could charge going forward.

Alabama judge forced defendants with court debt to give blood or go to jail

On September 17, 2015, Alabama Circuit Judge Marvin Wiggins opened his court session by giving two options to people who did not have the money to pay their court fines and fees: give blood, or go to jail.

Municipal Violations: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

In this video, John Oliver details the devastating impacts that low-income Americans suffer due to fines and fees and the involvement of private probation companies.

Why Are Surcharges on Some NY Traffic Tickets Higher Than the Fine?

This video and news article tells the story of Pete Tanner, who received a speeding ticket and noticed that the fees attached to the ticket were higher than the underlying …

US: For-Profit Probation Tramples Rights of Poor

This video by Human Rights Watch shows how private probation companies can strip people of basic necessities and jail them because they can’t afford to pay their court debt and exorbitant probation fees.