California Archives - Page 3 of 9 - Fines and Fees Justice Center

Effect of Juvenile Justice Fee Repeal on Financial Sanctions Borne by Families

As momentum for reforming the monetary justice system has grown, juvenile justice advocates have called for the abolition of monetary sanctions. However, previous research has not examined the financial impact …

California AB 177: Public safety

The California Legislature introduced AB 177 which would end the collection of an additional 17 administrative fees charged to people who come into contact with the criminal system. The bill …

San Francisco’s Financial Justice Project: Reducing the burden of fines and fees on San Franciscans with low incomes

San Francisco’s cost of living has drastically risen over the past decade, and 47 percent of San Franciscans are financially insecure. To address harmful fines and fees practices, San Francisco …

More Harm than Good: Building a more Just Fine and Fee System in California

Fines and fees push many low-income, Black, and Latinx California families into debt, cutting into their ability to meet basic needs. Researchers estimate that there is at least $10 billion …

Reducing Fines and Fees for Low-Income Drivers: Improving California’s Online Ability-to-Pay System

To address the inequitable assessment of fines and fees by traffic courts, the Judicial Council of California piloted the use of MyCitations. MyCitations allows drivers to request a reduced fine …

The Financial Impact of Court-Ordered Batterers’ Intervention Programs in Los Angeles County

This study showcases data from 83 court-ordered batterers' intervention programs in Los Angeles County to determine the range and variety of fees charged by these programs.

Online Traffic Adjudication and Ability to Pay Annual Report

The Pilot Program for Online Adjudication of Infraction Violations allows qualified California litigants to request reductions in traffic infraction fines and fees in 8 pilot courts, remotely. This report provides …

The Broad Scope and Variation of Monetary Sanctions: Evidence from Eight States

This study describes the findings from the Multi-state study of Monetary Sanctions, examining the systems of monetary sanctions operating in California, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Texas and Washington. …

How California Jails and Youth Lockups Profit off Incarcerated People & Their Families

In partnership with the Young Women’s Freedom Center and the Children’s Defense Fund of California, the San Francisco Financial Justice Project examined the costs of phone calls in youth lockups …

Price of Justice- Challenging the Future of Fines and Fees

This report summarizes the progress five states made in fines and fees reform, the challenges they experienced, and guidance for other jurisdictions interested in reforming their court systems.