Virtually every state has increased the cost of fines and fees within the justice system over the past 8 years. This increase is due to the fact that state and local governments use their court system to collect revenue, meaning that money collected through court-assessed debt plays a significant role in keeping the government in business. Harsh consequences are imposed on people who cannot afford to pay fines and fees immediately, which keeps them in a vicious cycle of debt and poverty. The “poverty penalty,” or the doubling and tripling of fines and fees when an individual cannot make the initial payment, is a harmful and unconstitutional act of government that represents deeper systemic problems within the nation.

Financial penalties are not only imposed for felony and misdemeanor offenses, but they also apply for minor traffic and municipal code violations. Interest charges and collection fees are usually imposed on top of that, and some jurisdictions even charge fees to set up payment plans. 17 states will restrict an individual’s voting rights until all debts are paid, and over 40 states will suspend an individual’s driver’s license if they are unable to pay their fines and fees. In order to survive in America, people need to work, go to the doctor, and attend school—and they need a way of getting there. Rather than putting their life on hold, it’s is likely that a person with a suspended license will continue to drive to satisfy those basic needs, which ultimately increases their likelihood of facing additional criminal charges, further monetary penalties, and even incarceration. Over 11 million people in over 40 states have lost their driver’s license due to unpaid fees, adding another obstacle to their pursuit of financial freedom. The increasing amount of fines, fees, and punishments for nonpayments furthers the already clear divide between the nation’s rich and poor by depriving those who cannot afford to pay from the same rights. 

Flaws within the criminal justice system demonstrate that the system is rigged against people who struggle the most. On average, people leaving prison owe $13,607 in fees, and private probation companies often levy their own fines and fees with jail as the consequence for nonpayments. Americans owe billions in unpaid court debt, and the government heavily uses this to its advantage. In order to prevent this debt cycle from trapping more Americans, lawmakers must repeal the absurd laws regarding nonpayments and the government must stop using courts as a strong source of revenue.