Justice shouldn't come with a price tag

Everyone deserves fair treatment under the law, no matter their income. But across the United States, people are charged fines and fees simply for coming into contact with the criminal justice system—penalties that trap many in cycles of debt and punishment. These financial burdens fall hardest on Black people and low-income communities, turning minor infractions into major barriers to stability.

Vera’s Ending Fines and Fees initiative set out to eliminate the use of fines and fees as a government funding stream. Our goal was simple: stop the legal system from profiting off poverty.

Small violations, devastating consequences

Even for minor offenses like jaywalking or driving with a suspended license, people can face hundreds or even thousands of dollars in financial penalties. For those who can’t afford to pay, the consequences can be severe: mounting debt, lost jobs, extended legal entanglement, and even jail time.

Uncovering the true cost of punishment

Starting in 2019, Vera analyzed never-before-collected data on fines and fees in 2,000 jurisdictions across five states: Florida, New Mexico, New York, Virginia, and Washington. We found that in 2019, these states collected more than $2 billion in fines and fees, but that this amount made up a tiny share—typically less than 1 percent—of all government revenues.

Real change, state by state

Equipped with this data, we worked alongside impacted people, advocates, and lawmakers to push for change. This collaborative effort led to significant wins:

• New Mexico eliminated most juvenile fines and fees.
• New York ended license suspensions for unpaid traffic tickets.
• Virginia removed the fee to enter into a payment plan and gave people more time before they accrue interest on unpaid debt.
• Washington passed a partial end to license suspensions for unpaid fines.

These reforms are reducing the financial harm imposed on people already struggling to make ends meet. Fines and fees don’t make communities safer—they extract wealth from people who can’t pay. But with data, advocacy, and the leadership of those directly impacted, we’ve shown that a fairer justice system is possible.