Welcome to FFJC’s digital library of resources related to fines and fees, also known as the Clearinghouse. Our repository of research and tools is curated and summarized by our Policy and Research team and includes key fines and fees research, litigation, legislation, policy analysis and guidance, and case studies. Use the search features below to find the information you need to drive reform.
E.g., ‘impacts of fines and fees’
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Debt Sentence: How Fines And Fees Hurt Working Families
This report shares the results of a national survey of over 5,600 adults to see how court-imposed fines and fees affect people across the country.
Debt Sentence: How Fines And Fees Hurt Working Families
San Diego is owed more than $260 million in delinquent parking tickets and other debts. Will it ever collect them?
San Diego is owed more than $260 million in delinquent parking tickets and other debts. Will it ever collect them?
Though fines are intended to deter unwanted behaviors, many cities use them as a revenue source. For the first time in over 20 years, San Diego raised its parking citation prices,…
This Pennsylvania County Wiped Out Millions in Jail Debt
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 t…
Should Unpaid Traffic Tickets Lead to Jail Time? This Justice of The Peace Doesn’t Think So.
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 step by re…
People in WA Prisons Pay Millions in Fees. Most of It Isn’t Being Used
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 inten…
Low-Income Kansans Are Going Into Debt Because Unpaid Traffic Tickets Rack up Interest
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…
Chicago Speed Cameras Fines Motorists over $102 million on 2023
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 9,132,4…
If You Can’t Afford an Attorney, One Will Be Appointed. And You May Get a Huge Bill
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…
This Louisiana Town Runs Largely on Traffic Fines. If You Fight Your Ticket, the Mayor Is Your Judge.
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…
Court Debt Collection Service Subject to Controversy
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…
The Fee Trap: Why Alabama’s Local Governments Can’t Shake Fines and Charges
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…