The criminal justice system in America uses court fines and fees as a means of deterring future criminal activity, to recoup some of the public money spent on the court system and related programs, and for victim restitution.
However, for those struggling to survive on low-income earnings, court fines and fees can become a self-perpetuating burden. A new survey has found that burden is also imposed on juvenile offenders around the country, and it can be no surprise to learn that poor, minority juveniles are hit hardest by those kinds of financial requirements. Some types of diversion programs may even be out of reach for these low-income kids, solely based on their inability to pay, preventing them from taking advantage of those programs to minimize or avoid the stigma and consequences of criminal convictions.
In the New York Times article below, you can follow one such young man’s ordeal, and get a real sense of how overwhelming, and far-reaching, the impact of a single mistake can be:
If you’ve been charged with DUI or another criminal offense, getting help from an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer is one of the best things you can do for your case. Gordon Thompson has been practicing criminal and DUI law since 1979, and has used his vast experience to help countless people charged with DUI and other criminal offenses get the best result. Call Gordon Thompson now, 24/7, so he can put his many years of experience to use and help you get the best result for your DUI or criminal case.
