The Legislative Analyst’s Office recently released the
Overview of State Criminal Fines and Fees and Probation Fees
handout. The handout was presented to the Assembly Public Safety
Committee at their Informational Hearing on the Financial
Implications of Criminal Justice Fines and Fees held February
5th.
The handout provides background information responding to common
questions regarding both criminal fines and fees and probation
fees. Additionally, the handout defines criminal fines and
fees as fines and fees typically levied by trial courts upon
individuals convicted of criminal offenses which include traffic
violations. A definition of probation fees is also included
in the handout and is defined as fees levied by counties on
probationers to cover probation-related costs.
Lastly, the handout includes charts and graphs that explain how
criminal fines and fees are assessed; how fine and fee levels
have changed over time; how fine and fee revenue is distributed;
who benefits from fine and fee revenue; how probation fees are
assessed; and the total amount of fees charged to probationers.
To view the full handout, please visit:
https://lao.ca.gov/handouts/crimjust/2019/State-Fines-and-fees-Overview-020519.pdf.
