In Delaware, a simple misdemeanor charge, with a $100 punitive fine, frequently results in over $500 of total court-imposed fines and fees. Since 85% of criminal defendants in Delaware are indigent, this is an overwhelming financial burden. If a payment is missed, the fees and penalties continue to build, including loss of driver’s license. Without a license, many people struggle to find or keep a job, making it even harder to pay the mounting court costs. This system creates a vicious spiral of compounded poverty and often leads to subsequent arrests and jail time.

HB 244 would reform the fines & fees system by:

• Prohibiting courts from imposing fines and fees on justice-involved children or their families.

• Prohibiting suspending driver’s licenses for nonpayment of a fine, fee, cost, assessment or restitution.

• Prohibiting some of the other most punitive and expensive court fees, including capias fees, the public defender fee, probation fees, and fees for making payments by phone or online.