Tools Archives - Fines and Fees Justice Center

DOJ’s Dear Colleague Letter is As Relevant As Ever. It’s Time We Remind Courts and Judges.

by: Lisa Foster, Co-Executive Director of the Fines and Fees Justice Center The U.S. Department of Justice has repeatedly warned state and local courts that their use and collection of court fines …

We’re Hiring: Digital Media Manager

The Digital Media Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing the growth of FFJC’s online presence, providing essential strategic, tactical, and creative digital support that centers FFJC’s mission and achievements as well as advocacy and legislative priorities.

FFJC Fiscal Analysis Reveals NY State Can Easily Afford to End Predatory Fees

A new analysis of New York’s fee revenue by the Fines and Fees Justice Center has revealed that eliminating court fees would have very little impact on the state’s budget, …

Seven Red Flags in ATE Contracts

By Tanisha Pierrette – Research Analyst – Fines and Fees Justice Center Though often branded as a foolproof solution to safer roads, automated traffic enforcement (ATE) — specifically the fines …

2023 State Legislative Round-Up: Fines and Fees Reform Across the Country

FFJC's latest summary of the legislation related to fines and fees that was introduced during 2023 state legislative sessions.

National Fines & Fees Reform Movement Charts Course for More Victories in 2024

When this organization started six years ago we could never have predicted the breadth and pace of fines and fees reform that would unfold across the nation. And still, our work is just beginning. Here our Deputy Executive Director, Priya Sarathy Jones shares insights about FFJC’s first-ever Fines and Fees Advocacy Summit, our robust national reform strategy, and how we are revving up for more 2024 victories.

How Did New Mexico Make Major Reforms? We Put the Right People at the Table.

FFJC’s advisory board model is more than just a means of prioritizing New Mexican voices within reform. It also serves as an incubator for budding advocates who are perfectly positioned to continue the work of fines and fees reform within their community.

Nevada Ends Exploitative Incarceration Costs While Laying Groundwork for Future Misdemeanor Reform

FFJC Nevada together with our key partners across the state were able to successfully pass significant fine and fee reform in the 2023 legislative session with bipartisan support from the Democratic controlled legislature and newly elected Republican governor. We also thwarted efforts to impose new fees in the criminal legal system and set the groundwork for future misdemeanor reform.

New Mexico’s driver’s license suspension reform is now in effect. Is your license eligible for reinstatement?

On June 16, New Mexico officially ended the practice of suspending driver's licenses for “Failure to Appear” (FTA) or “Failure to Pay” (FTP). Here's what you need to know to ensure your license is reinstated.

Press Release: 1 in 3 Americans Directly Impacted by Legal Fees/Fines According to First-of-its-Kind National Survey

The new report exposes a stark reality: for millions of working families, money needed for necessities, such as food, housing, healthcare and transportation, is being redirected to pay off court debt. At least 17 million families with children sacrifice on essentials due to court debt.