New to Clearinghouse Archives - Fines and Fees Justice Center

Ability to Pay and the Affordability of Fines and Fees

Using data from the Urban Institute’s 2024 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey, the Tax Policy Center produced a factsheet examining the prevalence of ability to pay inquiries and affordability options. …

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Silver Sanctions: Legal Financial Obligations in an Aging Population

Researchers have historically overlooked how aging populations experience non-carceral sanctions, such as fines and fees, within the criminal legal system. This study examines how aging (50–64) and older (65+) adults …

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The Impact of Legal Debt on Perceptions of Procedural Justice, Legal Cynicism, and Legitimacy In People Sentenced to Misdemeanor Private Probation

In Georgia, courts are permitted to contract with private probation companies to supervise individuals’ sentences for minor offenses or simply because they cannot pay their fines and fees at the …

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North Dakota HB 1417

North Dakota HB 1417 The North Dakota legislature enacted legislation repealing the authority to assess supervision fees. Previously, courts were permitted to order supervision costs and fees of not less …

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Impact of Debt-Based License Suspension Reform on Statewide Employment

Millions of drivers have had their licenses suspended for unpaid traffic, toll, misdemeanor and felony fines and fees, often impacting their ability to earn. In this study, researchers looked at …

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Guide to New Low Rates and Consumer Protections for Incarcerated People’s Communications Services

Effective January 1, 2025, the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act expands and clarifies the scope of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) authority over incarcerated people’s communications services. To …

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Identifying Drivers of Absconding

To identify the factors that drive parole and probation revocations, the Crime and Justice Institute, conducted a comprehensive assessment of community supervision policies and practices in Colorado, Florida, Mississippi, and …

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Making Children Pay The Hidden Cost to Kansas of Juvenile Fees and Fines

Kansas imposes a wide range of fines and fees on youth at nearly every point in the legal process. Using data from court records, state and county financial reports, previous …

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Report to the Legislature: Online Infraction Adjudication and Ability-to-Pay Determinations

MyCitations was developed and is maintained by the Judicial Council of California as an online tool to allow individuals with infraction violations to request a reduction in their fines and …

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Seizing the Safety Net: Collecting Criminal Justice Debt with Tax Refund Offsets

Focusing on Kansas as a case study, this report examines how federal and state governments seize income tax refunds to collect and pay off (“offset”) criminal justice debt. These tax …

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