Why should courts get rich on fines?

Question

How is it that if someone assaults me, they have to pay money to the COURT? As if the court was a victim? The court is supported by the state, not by fines from defendants. And i'm not talking court costs, I'm talking 500 "safe neighborhood fee" 1000 "anti-drug" fee, 500 probation fee, and much more. It seems a little ridiculous that they should make money off people like this. And why should I have to use a public defender who is paid by the court? A prosecutor who owned stock in a defendant's company would NEVER be allowed. And why should I be stuck with a criminal record that bars me from getting even the dumbest jobs that a trained chimp could do, like stocking shelves at Kohls for 9 bucks an hour, practically guaranting that I have to commit another crime or live in a cardboard box? And no, trolls, obviously I am using "i and me" as an example.

OUR TAXES PAY THE SALARIES

SO I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY $5,000 FOR A FIVE DOLLAR JOINT WHEN I'M 18 WORKING AT A PIZZARIA AND THEY TAKE MY LICENSE SO I CAN'T WORK? YEAH, THAT'S MORALLY SOUND...

ELIZABETH COME OUT OF YOUR BUBBLE. MOST PEOPLE COMMIT CRIMES OUT OF IGNORANCE, MAKING A MISTAKE AS A YOUNG ADULT OR A FOOLISH MISTAKE, ADDICATION, OR JUSTA PLAIN ACCIDENT. DON'T FORGET POVERTY. MOST OF THESE PEOPLE WORK THEIR ASSES OFF AND CAN'T GET LITTLE DESK JOBS LIKE YOU BUT WORK IN FACTORIES AND WAREHOUSES... SHAME ON YOU. GEE, IF HE MADE A MISTAKE, HE DESERVES TO HAVE THE REST OF HIS LIFE RUINED....

Answer 1

Geeze, you sound so stupid you'd forget to breathe if you weren't reminded. How can you be so closed-minded and simple? You do NOT have to use a public defender, yes, courts are supported by the state, but where does the state get money to support the courts? From criminals (that means people who break the laws.) Why should the law-abiding pay? Courts exist to punish the criminals. Criminals SHOULD pay!

If you can't do the time, or you aren't willing to take responsibility for your actions, DON'T DO THE CRIME. You have no one to blame for your situation but yourself.

Answer 2

I can't answer all your questions, but the fines are what keeps the system running. It isn't like the Court gets to own yachts, fancy cars, etc. The fees & fines go to paying the salaries of the people who work in and for the Justice System. That includes, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, legal secrateries, court reporters, probation & parole officers, etc. Some of the money for those people (DA's, Public Defenders, Probation Officers, etc) comes from taxes as well, but not all of it for all of them.

They sure aren't "making money" off anyone, the Legal system is usually barely able to keep it's financial head above water and with few exceptions, doesn't have excess funds that come from those fines, fees & penalties that convicted individuals pay. That money also has to pay for the buildings, utilities of said buildings, and God only knows how many other things that I can't think of right this second.

Answer 3

Why should someone who commits a crime and is found guilty in a court of law be stuck with a criminal record? You're joking, right?

Because a criminal is a liability. Why should a potential employer take on a risk case if they don't want to? Most companies out there want honest, hard-working workers with integrity - most criminals aren't any of those things. My employer will not hire anyone with certain crimes on their record (theft, computer crimes, or any parole/probation requirements that prevent the person from being around minors) because we just can't take the risks these people present.

As for the fines, consider them like the money you pay to see a movie - part of the ticket price goes to the studios and producers, and part goes to the theater to pay for the ushers, the ticket-takers and the guy who sweeps up your trash.

Answer 4

I for one can certainly understand your frustration and I see everyday how the courts "fine" defendants for offenses they commit.

However, "pain and suffering" is a seperate issue in civil court that you can still pursue!

In court, yes...parts of the fines go to pay for things such as Victims Compensation and a myriad of other programs. You have to consider this...it's the offenders that are offsetting those fees and not the taxpayer. I'd rather see the defendant pay after being found guilty rather than those of us who obey the laws.

At least consider that part of the equation before getting too upset.

In this day and age...we are taxed for everything under the sun. I remember many years ago saying they'll never tax air...yet try to put air in your tire....you'll pay for air! With all the taxes you and I pay...it's nice to see the defendants pay for those other programs which we don't contribute otherwise!

Hey...if I didn't do MY job...the judges wouldn't have THEIR jobs yet I see they get paid a lot more than I do!

Hang in there...you're not alone!

Answer 5

I'm sorry your so bitter.
IF you get assaulted,yes you go to court but the judge will fine the person and hand down a guilt
charge fine and resturation to you for the assault,time lost from work,hospital bills, any mental stress.
If you get a ticket you pay the fine.
In small towns,that's there Maine source of income.
Yea speed traps and the fines are high.

Answer 6

courts dont get rich on fines the money goes back to the county which allow it to operate funding county projects, parks, and general operational bills which give us tax payers breaks

Answer 7

Why not ask Aunt Sam (our gov) that same question. It's because thay wany more money.

Answer 8

Because we let them.