Interim Report: A Framework to Improve How Fines, Fees, Restitution, and Child Support are Assessed and Collected from People Convicted of Crimes
This report describes how fines, fees, and restitution are assessed in criminal courts in Texas, how these court-ordered financial obligations are collected, and how these assessments and collections account for child support that defendants may already owe. This report reviews the challenges court officials encounter under the current system and recommends strategies to clarify and streamline existing policies. Using the findings and recommendations in this report, state and local government policymakers can launch an effort to increase financial accountability among people who commit crimes, improve rates of collection for child support and victim restitution, and ensure people's transition from prisons and jails to the community is safe and successful.
Judge Nan Waller has taken her increased awareness of the challenges that people with mental health needs face…
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Montana's judicial branch is launching a data analysis of racial disparities in its criminal justice system.
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On June 23, President Biden unveiled a new strategy to direct significant federal funding and support to strengthen…
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How One Local Judge is Working to Improve Responses to People with Mental Health Needs
Judge Nan Waller has taken her increased awareness of the challenges that people with mental health needs face in the criminal justice system and used it to help inform decisions intended to improve people’s outcomes.
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Racial Disparity Analysis Aims to Improve Data Collection in Montana’s Justice System
Montana's judicial branch is launching a data analysis of racial disparities in its criminal justice system.
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New Federal Strategy to Reduce Violent Crime and Improve Public Safety: What States Need to Know
On June 23, President Biden unveiled a new strategy to direct significant federal funding and support to strengthen state and local violence-reduction efforts.
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Senate Passes VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act
On July 20, the U.S. Senate passed the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021.
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White House Invests $700 Million to Fight the Spread of COVID-19 in Prisons and Jails
On July 20, the U.S. Senate passed the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021.
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A Tribute to Alan V. Sokolow
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Alan V. Sokolow, who was instrumental in founding The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center more than 20 years ago.
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