Target actors: Local legislators.

Many counties charge community members steep fines and fees related to their criminal cases. These fees place an enormous burden on people who owe them, preventing people from achieving stability. Not only are fines and fees harmful to individuals, but research has also shown that local governments spend more money trying to collect these funds and punishing people for nonpayment than they ultimately receive. Local legislators can work to reduce or eliminate justice fines and fees and waive any discretionary fees, and system actors and community advocates can build pressure for them to do so.

Learn more:

• The High Price of Using Justice Fines and Fees to Fund Government (Vera Institute of Justice)
• How to Use Budgets to Understand Criminal Justice Fines and Fees (Vera Institute of Justice)
• How to Use Budget Advocacy to Drive Justice Reform (Vera Institute of Justice)