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Rising court fines and fees – and harsh penalties for not paying them – are putting more of our neighbors and family members at risk for jail time, job loss, and other life-changing consequences. We need our elected officials to act to ensure North Carolina institutions and public policies better support people affected by fines and fees.

Court costs have skyrocketed in North Carolina. The General Court of Justice fee has increased 260% (for district court) and 243% (for superior court) since 1995. Court-imposed fees have increased by 400% over the past 20 years.
Court costs criminalize people for being poor. Poor people are still regularly incarcerated because they cannot pay their court debts, even though federal law banned debtor’s prison in the United States in 1833. Poor people also face other consequences for non-payment, such as suspension of their driver’s licenses and extension of probation.
Statewide, there are approximately 300,000 people with a debt-based driver’s license suspension. Many people never re-gain the legal right to drive after a debt-based suspension. Of those who re-gain their licenses, it is generally after a long-term suspension. The average suspension is 10 years.
Without a driver’s license, everyday North Carolinians face barriers to meaningful employment, affordable housing, higher education, and quality healthcare.

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Criminal Justice Fines & Fees

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