Ability to Pay Archives - Fines and Fees Justice Center

The Road to Debtors’ Probation: How Criminalizing Traffic Violations Increases State Control and Inequality in Georgia

In Georgia, nearly all traffic offenses are classified as misdemeanors, unlike most states that treat them as civil offenses. This study examines how Georgia’s practice of classifying almost all traffic …

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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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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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Participant Experiences in the City of Tempe Community Supervision Program’s Incentive Program

In Tempe, Arizona, community supervision clients have the opportunity to exchange the cost of their monthly fees for participation in voluntary classes, community service, career development, and personal improvement programs. …

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The Price of a Fresh Start: True Second Chances Start With Fines and Fees Reform

Whether you’re fighting for parole and probation reform, advocating for fair housing, supporting reentry programs, or working to expand employment access, this #SecondChanceMonth, we’re calling on criminal justice reform advocates to consider how addressing fines and fees reform can enhance the work you’re already doing.

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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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Pierce County, WA Hosts Legal Financial Obligations Reconsideration Day

Washington State’s Pierce County held a Legal Financial Obligation (LFO) Reconsideration Day in September 2019, allowing individuals with outstanding LFOs to meet with attorneys and judges for potential reduction or …

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From Barriers to Bridges: How Fines and Fees Reform Can Help Boost Economic Security

In Georgia, fines and fees imposed by state and local governments in the criminal legal system are a barrier to economic security. This report by the Georgia Budget and Policy …

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Improving Traffic Ticket Outcomes

Costly fines and fees from traffic citations disproportionately burden low income people with debt they cannot afford. To reduce the burden, California created MyCitations, an online ability-to-pay system. Between July …

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Investigation of the Lexington Police Department and the City of Lexington, Mississippi

On September 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a report concluding that the City of Lexington, Mississippi, and the Lexington Police Department (LPD) engaged “in a pattern …

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