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In the wrong place at the wrong time? Tough luck, says the state of Colorado. If you are arrested the police will charge you a $25 booking fee. If you can't pay on the spot, don't worry, they'll bill you. Even if charges are dismissed, or you are aquitted, you still pay a price! But fear not, if you can prove you are innocent (beyond reasonable doubt) you can get your money back. This is not something new, but something that people should be aware of.
Charon writes:
There is a case before the US Supreme Court, Nelson v. Colorado, which will be argued on Jan. 9, regarding the difficulty of getting fees and penalties refunded when defendants are found innocent.
And it's not just Colorado. Another case from Minnesota:
Corey Statham had $46 in his pockets when he was arrested in Ramsey County, Minn., and charged with disorderly conduct. He was released two days later, and the charges were dismissed.
But the county kept $25 of Mr. Statham's money as a "booking fee." It returned the remaining $21 on a debit card subject to an array of fees. In the end, it cost Mr. Statham $7.25 to withdraw what was left of his money.
The Supreme Court will soon consider whether to hear Mr. Statham's challenge to Ramsey County's fund-raising efforts, which are part of a national trend to extract fees and fines from people who find themselves enmeshed in the criminal justice system.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Dunbal on Thursday December 29 2016, @01:26PM
The flaw in your logic is that rich people are seldom arrested. The police would run out of funds, and rich people would be unscathed. Or is that what you intended?
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday December 29 2016, @02:23PM
The flaw in your logic is that rich people are seldom arrested.
That's true now, when there's no incentive to arrest rich people.
The police would run out of funds, and rich people would be unscathed.
Well-connected people would remain unscathed. But you can bet the police would identify people who are rich, but not well connected, and arrest them for profit.
(Score: 2) by krishnoid on Thursday December 29 2016, @09:45PM
"Sure you can have my $25. You'll just have to travel to the Zurich branch and submit this voucher. Oh no officer, I don't have any funds [ok, mild exaggeration] in the US."
"I understand, Mr. Dirtbag. Alternatively, we can subject you to about 45 seconds of police brutality instead. Is that ok?"
"Certainly, officer. I'll just have my attorney observe to make sure it's all done properly. Wouldn't want this to turn into a lawsuit, now!"
"You're free to go sir."
"It's been good doing business with you, officer."