Local Reforms Archives - Fines and Fees Justice Center

Winnable Criminal Justice Reforms 2026

The Prison Policy Initiative released a list of promising policy reforms across several touchpoints in the criminal legal system: sentencing, incarceration, and release. The report identifies 34 reforms in eight …

How Cities are Rethinking Fines and Fees to Strengthen Residents’ Economic Stability

Cities across the country have a duty to their residents to promote economic mobility. The National League of Cities launched the Cities Addressing Fines and Fees Equitably Initiative (CAFFE) to …

Community Service Alternatives: A Free Resource List for Courts and Other Justice System Stakeholders

When an individual does not have the ability to pay fines or fees, community service can be an appropriate alternative to financial sanctions. While typically available in most jurisdictions, outdated …

The Essential Guide to Court Reminder Programs

Nationwide, millions of people fail to appear for scheduled court dates despite having intentions to attend. This guide developed by ideas42 draws on more than ten years of research to …

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. …

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 that collection efforts cost nearly …

Warrant Strategy

Managing old warrants aged anywhere from 5 to 25 years contributes to significant backlogs in the legal system. This report highlights Cook County’s strategic efforts to address a backlog of …

In the Rearview Mirror: St. Louis’s Municipal Courts After a Decade of Reform and Regress

Ten years ago, the death of Michael Brown ignited the Ferguson Uprising, bringing to light systemic injustices in municipal courts across St. Louis County. In the wake of this tragedy, …

Wilmington Fines and Fees Task Force Findings and Recommendations

Lower-income residents in Wilmington face financial hardship as the costs and fees from the city rise. In 2022, the Wilmington City Council created the Fines and Fees Task Force to …

Washtenaw County Fines and Fees Justice Report

In August of 2022, Washtenaw County was selected to participate in the Cities and Counties for Fines and Fees Justice (CCFFJ) cohort led by the Fines and Fees Justice Center, …