Do you think judges should be shamed for refusing to criminalize poverty? As CJPC has reported before, the state legislature has enacted a plan to discourage judges from waiving court fines and fees. The legislature has required noticed to be mailed to every state or local entity that gets a portion of court fines and fees so they could potentially contest the waiver in a hearing. Details are now emerging about how this plan is to be carried out. The Administrative Office of the Courts plans to mail a standard letter to the 615 groups requiring notice one a month. That letter will include the internet address of the state’s online court calendar and inform officials that fee waivers could be waived at any criminal hearing. Local jurisdictions can send additional notices if they like. As a voter, you have the power to assure that judges’ brave decisions to stand up for poor justice-involved individuals are celebrated rather than vilified. Learn more here.
