Financial Policies for Imposed Fines, Fees, and Asset Forfeitures: The Basis for Building Trust with the Public and Fair Treatment of All Citizens

Many local governments rely on imposed fines, fees, and forfeitures to raise revenue without a financial policy. Doing so can reduce citizens’ trust in government, have a disproportionate impact on a community’s vulnerable citizens, and drive up the cost of the justice system since many individuals cannot pay the fines and fees. This tool provides policy templates to aid local governments in their policy formation process and outlines fundamental elements, criteria, and rules for each policy regarding fines, fees, and asset forfeiture. 

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