Fines as a Sentencing Option

• NCJ Number: 108490
• Author(s): B Mahoney; R McBrien; J Greene
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 0 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: INFOMEDIX
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: From the Judicial State of the Art Conference, "Presiding in Criminal Court," September 19-23, 1987, Phoenix, AZ. Audio cassette, 70 minutes.

Annotation

Presenters provide an overview of the use of fines in the United States and some European countries and describe the proposed program of day fines to be used in an experimental program for misdemeanors in the Staten Island Criminal Court (New York).

Abstract

Barry Mahoney, director of research for the Institute for Court Management, summarizes research on the range and nature of fining practices, including the use of fines in the United States, Sweden, West Germany, and England. Research recommendations for the more effective use of fines include improved methods of fine collection and a clearer rationale for the use of fines. Judith Greene, court programs director at the Vera Institute, reviews the Institute's proposed pilot day-fine program for the Staten Island Criminal Court. The day fine has been used in some European countries. Under this system, the fine amount is based on offense seriousness and the offender's ability to pay. The fine is imposed in units instead of an absolute monetary amount. The number of units levied is based on offense seriousness, and the monetary amount for each unit is based on the offender's daily net income. This system will be used for all misdemeanors before the Staten Island Court, alone or in combination with other sanctions and sentence conditions. Rose McBrien, a judge of the Staten Island Court, explains how the system will be implemented, including fine collection and enforcement.