Fines and Fees in NC
Since 1999, the number of criminal court fees has increased from 4 to 45 and the base cost for use of court has increased from $61 to $176. Many of these fees are unaffordable for many North Carolinians and lead to financial hardship as well as Driver’s License suspension, extended community supervision, and sometimes incarceration.
The Impact of Fines and Fees on the North Carolina Community
We want to
Require the use of a fair process for assessing ability to pay fines and fees
Eliminate excessive and unnecessary fines and fees in the criminal court system
End court-imposed punishment for those unable to pay fines and fees
Institute programs for the waiver of fines and fees for those who have been unable to pay in the past