New York Judges Are Jailing People Who Can’t Afford Their Fines (The Appeal)

The Appeal, October 28, 2019

NEW YORK STATE JUDGES ARE JAILING PEOPLE WHO CAN’T AFFORD THEIR FINES

“Adjusting fines and fees has become ever more important as the state has increased financial penalties for driving infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. The mandatory surcharge for a misdemeanor—what’s paid on top of a fine—has more than quadrupled since 1982, according to a May report by the New York City Bar Association. In 2009, the cap on what a court can charge to reinstate a license doubled from $200 to $400. ‘This is a form of regressive taxation and it’s a form of extracting wealth from our most vulnerable communities. And it needs to stop,’ said Katie Adamides, New York State director for the Fines & Fees Justice Center.”

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