From Fines and Justice Center:
Imagine leaving prison with no job, no income, no savings — and thousands of dollars in court debt hanging over you. Without a way to pay, you face the constant threat of arrest and re-incarceration. For many who have served their time, this isn’t just a fear — it’s reality.
A debt to society should be considered paid once incarceration is over. But the lingering burden of fines and fees keeps people trapped in the system long after their release, limiting their ability to rebuild their lives.
Court debt — often totaling tens of thousands of dollars — is a major barrier to securing a fresh start. In many states, paying off fines and fees is required to seal a criminal record, end parole or probation, regain voting rights, reinstate a drivers license, or get an occupational license. Worse still, missing a payment can trigger an arrest warrant, putting people at risk of returning to jail simply because they can’t afford to pay. Continue reading >>>
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