Quote:The assumption here, as I understand it, is that the law that was broken is from an agreement that everyone has with their local governments--their State and US constitutions. These laws have previously established limits on fines and punishments. These maxed-out probationary periods coupled with substantial monthly fees are nothing more than money-grabs with no interest of protecting individual rights.


Using the person listed in the article, he did the crime so he should do the time. If he can't afford to pay the fine, then he should have spent a couple days in jail. Every judge I've ever known would have given him time-served and released him after a couple days... week at the most unless he had a history of doing the same.


The law maxes out a fine for the similar offense at $1,000. If I read it right, the fees exceeded $4,800. Assuming the article gives us all pertinent information, the theft of a $2 beer shouldn't ever result in such a ridiculous punishment. I'm surprised someone like you, Eric, would be for this type of behavior. Especially since the agreement for following these laws is between government and person, not business and person. Your agreement was never with an outside entity.


Maybe all of this has been mentioned. Meh.

The fines could be $10,000 that's not the point. I don't care what the fines are my point is the existence of them isn't an issue.


Once a convicted criminal has defaulted on their court ordered fine, restitution, or sentence they have involuntarily entered a new contract. Just like if you default on your capital one credit card and it's sent to ANC collections you've now entered a new involuntary contract. All collection agencies have ridiculous fines and charges.


I'm not defending the fines the company or the implementation I'm pointing out a defaulted account has two options, sent for collections or written off. In the case of a public fine we the law abiding tax payers are footing the bill for collections and write offs of the dead beats not paying their fines for breaking the law. So subcontracting a for profit company to handle the non paid fines releases the public from funding their irresponsibility.

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