fines

State

Justice at a cost: Panel explores burden of Alabama’s fines and fees

Alabama’s reliance on fees and fines in the justice system creates a vicious cycle for those with the inability to pay, experts said.

December 11, 2024

Former House Speaker Hubbard ordered to start paying court debt

Hubbard will pay $1,000 per month for the next 17 years to cover his fines, court costs and other fees owed to the state.

January 12, 2024

Birmingham aims to reduce harmful effects of municipal fines, fees

Birmingham joins eight other cities as part of the Cities Addressing Fines and Fees Equitably initiative.

February 10, 2023

Let justice roll down as waters

"Fighting for justice shouldn't be based on party affiliation. It should be the aspiration of every decent citizen."

April 22, 2021

Bill to ban smoking in automobiles with children gets favorable committee report

Thursday, the Alabama House Health Committee gave a favorable repot to a House bill that would make it illegal to smoke in an automobile with a child present. House Bill 46 is sponsored by State Representative Rolanda Hollis (D-Birmingham). “This bill is for the health of our children,” Hollis said. This is not about telling … Continued

February 6, 2020

Despite Supreme Court ruling, Alabama’s civil forfeiture laws will remain awful

The U.S Supreme Court on Wednesday mandated an overhaul of how America’s police departments and courts handle the seizure of assets from people convicted of a crime — stating plainly that 8th amendment protections against excessive fines also apply to states. But don’t worry. Cops in Alabama are still free to take your stuff, crime … Continued

February 21, 2019

Alabama Appleseed selects Carla Crowder as new executive director

Advocacy group Alabama Appleseed has chosen a new executive director. The group, which has opposed civil asset forfeiture, high court fees and fines, and pushed for new payday loan regulations, announced Monday that its board of directors has chosen Carla Crowder, a former Equal Justice Initiative attorney and Birmingham News reporter, as the organization’s new … Continued

January 15, 2019

An ethics-less day at the Alabama “ethics” commission

Alabama does not have an ethics commission. Oh, sure, there’s a group of people who meet once per month in a room in Montgomery, and the sign out front reads “Alabama Ethics Commission,” but trust me, they’re not. Because an ethics commission — a real one — has one primary goal: To uphold the ethics … Continued

December 20, 2018

Secretary of State initiates legal action to recover unpaid campaign finance fines

The Secretary of State’s Office has begun legal action to recover unpaid campaign finance fines incurred by political action committees and candidate committees during the 2018 election cycle, Secretary of State John Merrill said Tuesday. The Secretary’s office has issued 1,180 penalties over the course of the election cycle for a total amount of $201,893.28. … Continued

December 5, 2018

McClendon bill would outlaw holding a cell phone while driving

Alabama State Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, will introduce legislation that would make it illegal for Alabama motorists to operate a motor vehicle while holding their phones, whether that is texting or holding it to their ear to talk or communicating with their social media friends. “Under this proposed new law, drivers may make calls, but … Continued

December 5, 2018