COVID-19 Update
The North Carolina Fines and Fees Coalition has been working for years to lessen the crushing burden placed upon the poorest of our citizens by the ever-increasing fines, fees and penalties imposed through the North Carolina courts and criminal justice system. Unsurprisingly, the impact of the current COVID-19 crisis is falling most heavily and will continue to plague the communities who are most harmed by the excessive imposition of fines, fees, and penalties - those living paycheck to paycheck, who are often entangled in the criminal legal system, and are disproportionately made up of people of color. In addition to the public health tragedy caused by COVID-19, our coalition is gravely concerned about the economic impact of this pandemic, as it will inevitably lead to more public safety and health issues. In light of the pending recession that we are facing, our coalition is recommending broad policy changes in order to mitigate the impact of the upcoming economic winter.
Click below to view the letters sent to the following officials:
House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic Support
NC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
NC Association of County Commissioners
House Select Committee on COVID-19 Continuity of State Operations Working Group
The Honorable Chief Justice Cheri Beasley of the North Carolina Supreme Court
Have you been affected by criminal justice system-related fines and fees during the COVID-19 crisis? Share your story here.