News

It’s Time To Reform Washington’s Harmful System Of Fines And Fees

People with low incomes, disabilities, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) shoulder much of the harm from the legal financial obligations (LFOs) levied in Washington’s criminal legal system. …

New Mexico House Bill 81

The New Mexico legislature introduced a bill requiring the court to assess a person’s ability to pay any fine, fee or cost at the time of sentencing, and creating a …

Following the Money on Fines and Fees

The perceived legitimacy of the justice system and public safety may be undermined by the fiscal incentives resulting from states linking revenue from fines and fees to police and court …

FFJC Policy Guidance: Eliminating Criminal Legal System Fees and Discharging Debt

Fines and Fees Justice Center (FFJC) presents policy guidance for local and state leaders on how to eliminate criminal legal fees and forgive debt.

Debtors Prisons: In Mississippi, Judges Can Lock You Up For Owing Money

In Mississippi, judges lock up people while they work to earn money to pay off court fees, fines, and restitution, without an end date. People spend an average of four …

NJ S266

The New Jersey legislature introduced a bill that would eliminate driver’s license suspensions for failure to answer or appear in response to a failure to appear notice, or failure to pay …

Local Policy Guide: Reforming Debt-Based Driver’s License Suspensions at the Local Level

This guide is designed to give local leaders the tools, process and resources they need to reform debt-based driving restrictions at the local level.

Monetary Sanctions and Symbiotic Harms

When justice-involved individuals cannot afford their legal debts, their families who provide financial support suffer the unintended negative effects of punishment– also known as symbiotic harms. This study analyzes data …

Understanding the Burden of Legal Financial Obligations on Indigent Washingtonians

Low-income defendants are burdened with fine and fee assessments that they cannot afford to pay. This paper examines administrative court data for criminal cases in limited jurisdiction courts in Washington, …

Arizona HB 2033

The Arizona legislature introduced a bill repealing provisions related to the imposition of juvenile fees. Key provisions: Repeals the provision requiring the court to order a parent or guardian with …