FINES & FEES
“Every year driver’s license Fines and Fees devastate the lives of millions of Americans.
Our justice system is supposed to operate with integrity – providing equal justice for all. Yet in far too many places in the United States, court Fines and Fees have put an exorbitant price tag on justice.
Across the country, courts impose fines as a punishment for minor traffic and municipal code violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. Courts then tax people with fees, surcharges, and costs used to fund the justice system and other government services.
Those who cannot immediately pay these costs face additional fees, license suspensions, loss of voting rights, arrest, and jail. Stuck in a cycle of punishment and poverty, people can lose their jobs, their homes, and even their children. We have created a two-tier system of justice where poor people – and particularly communities of color – are disproportionately punished.” - Fines and Fees Justice System
THE SOLUTION
Tampa’s Portico Justice Committee – a collaboration of Love INC of Metro Tampa, the Portico, Hyde Park United Methodist, Dorothy Day Tampa and Abe Brown Ministries (ex-offender services), pooling $ and legal resources to resolve Fines and Fees issues by case management referral, one guest at a time. Highly motivated Fines and Fees guests submit requests to Dorothy Day Tampa that are prayerfully vetted as manageable, reasonable, and legitimate. No surprises!
Guests are responsible for obtaining a certified copy of their driver’s license record for review by our pro bono Fines and Fees attorneys. Action steps can include attorney-led payment plans, preparing and filing court documents and court appearances as needed.
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