NCJ Number
156242
Date Published
November 1996
Length
90 pages
Annotation
This monograph presents guidelines for policymakers and criminal justice practitioners considering using structured fines (day fines) as part of their overall sentencing system.
Abstract
The guidelines offers planning and operation instructions applicable to every jurisdiction. An overview explains the concept of structured fines and explains their potential benefits, including offender accountability, deterrence, fairness, effective and efficient use of limited system resources, revenue, and credibility of the court. Experience with structured fines in Europe and the United States is also described. Additional sections explain how to set goals and priorities, develop a unit scale that ranks offenses by severity, calculate the amounts of fines, and impose the structured fine sentence. Collection methods and techniques, which are critical to the overall success of a structured fine program, are also discussed. Further sections focus on backup sanctions and strategies, the education and training needed, and the information needed for monitoring program operations and evaluating program effectiveness. Appended project descriptions, sample program forms and materials, and 37 references