2017 NLADA Annual Conference

Municipal courts throughout the country are routinely imposing excessive court fees and fines on residents who are unable to pay – people living at or near the poverty level, low wage earners, and people with fixed income, such as people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI). Many of these practices disproportionately affect African Americans and other people of color. The consequences of the practices used to collect fees and fines are dire and create a downward spiral for individuals and families who become further impoverished when they are unable to pay. Failure to pay is sanctioned by increasing fees and fines or incarceration resulting in the loss of critically needed employment and housing. Legal aid programs have an important role to play in combating these practices and mitigating their impact. Join us for this workshop to learn how programs funded by LSC, consistent with LSC regulatory restrictions, have been effectively advocating for people living at or near the poverty level affected by the unfair imposition of fines and fees.