What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Jail Bill?

Being incarcerated is expensive. In addition to legal fees and court costs, many jails and prisons charge inmates daily room and board fees during their stay. These jail bills can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. But what happens if a person can’t afford to pay or refuses to pay their jail bill after being released? Let’s take a closer look.

Overview of Jail Costs and Fees

Room and board fees typically range from $20-100 per day, depending on the facility. These charges are meant to cover basic living costs like food, housing, clothing, medical care, and supervision. Many jails also tack on booking fees, medical co-pays, toiletries, phone calls, and other services. A short 1-2 week stay can easily cost $500-2000+.

Unlike prison sentences, most jail stays are relatively short-term while awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences. However, these fees can still present financial hardships, especially for low-income individuals. Many inmates were already struggling financially before being jailed.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Unfortunately, failure to pay jail fees can result in serious repercussions Here are some potential consequences

1. Extended Probation or Parole

Courts may extend probation or parole periods until all fines and fees are paid off. This additional supervision time allows for ongoing collection efforts.

2. Converted to Community Service

Some jurisdictions will convert unpaid fines to community service hours at minimum wage. For example, $500 in fees becomes 50 hours of service. This provides an alternative option for those unable to pay.

3. Civil Lawsuit and Wage Garnishment

The jail may pursue repayment through a civil lawsuit. If they receive a judgement, the jail can garnish wages or levy bank accounts. Future tax refunds may also be withheld.

4. Negative Credit Reporting

Outstanding jail balances are often reported to credit bureaus as a delinquent debt. This can damage credit scores and make it difficult to obtain loans, mortgages, rentals, etc.

5. Driver’s License Suspension

Some states have laws allowing driver’s license suspension for unpaid court debt. However, this practice is starting to be outlawed.

6. Denial of Future Services

Individuals with unpaid jail fees may be denied access to certain government services until balances are paid. For example, the jail may refuse releasing records, processing new arrests, or calculating release dates.

7. Arrest Warrant and Reincarceration

If fines remain unpaid after reasonable collection efforts, a warrant can be issued for the person’s arrest. They may be jailed again until debts are satisfied or converted to community service.

8. Contempt of Court

Chronic nonpayment of legal financial obligations can potentially be punished through contempt proceedings. However, jail time cannot be imposed solely for failure to pay without proving willful defiance.

Seeking Relief from Jail Bills

If you are unable to afford your jail fees, all is not lost. Here are some strategies to seek financial relief:

• Payment plans – Request a reasonable payment plan that fits your budget. Make consistent monthly payments.

• Fee waivers – Petition the court to waive or reduce fees due to indigence. Provide documentation of income, expenses, and inability to pay.

• Community service – Ask to complete community service hours instead of paying fees if unemployed.

• Collections assistance – See if your jurisdiction has payment assistance programs for people struggling with court collections.

• Private donations – Non-profits like the Fines and Fees Justice Center connect people to donors who offer assistance paying down court fees.

• Bankruptcy – Outstanding jail/court fees can sometimes be discharged through bankruptcy if truly unpayable. Consult a bankruptcy attorney.

• Advocacy – Get involved with advocacy groups like the ACLU working to reform jail fee policies in your state. Coalition efforts can drive legislative change.

Consequences Disproportionately Harm Low-Income People

Critics argue that aggressive collection of jail fees disproportionately harms indigent populations and risks reincarceration solely due to poverty. While jails do need funding, intent matters. Fees should be imposed judiciously, not punitively. Courts must balance revenue needs against ability to pay and avoid perpetuating cycles of debt and poverty.

Withsound policies focused on rehabilitation over recidivism, we can craft a more equitable justice system. But much work remains to make the promise of “equal justice under law” a reality for all.