Fines, Fees and COVID-19

-Across this country, hundreds of thousands of individuals are in jail or facing arrest on warrants for failure to pay criminal justice fines and fees. Millions more suffer other significant consequences including suspension of their driver's licenses, mounting interest and late fees, garnishment of wages and tax returns. Most of these individuals are simply unable to pay these exorbitant fines and fees. The COVID-19 crisis has made this situation worse, as the most economically vulnerable have suffered the brunt of skyrocketing unemployment.

This webinar explores the steps that are and should be taken to fairly address criminal justice debt during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists also talk about enforcement of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, many of which carry hefty fines, and about ensuring that state and local government do not attempt to fill the budget gaps created during the COVID-19 crisis by raising fines and fees.

Panelists include:
- Stephanie Campos-Bui, Clinical Supervising Attorney, Policy Advocacy Clinic, Berkeley Law
- Anthony Robles, Youth Justice Coalition
- Honorable Jack Tuter, Chief Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit, Florida (Broward County)
- Joanna Weiss (Moderator), Co-Director, Fines and Fees Justice Center

[calypsoplatonova]

I wish the judge was right about the court fees and fines. Unfortunately he is not. Yes, I do realize he is in a lot of stress and he not the “criminal”.... but sending thousands of non violent people to jail for none payment due to the pandemic isn’t right.