from Hacker News

Ask HN: Existing Civil Fee/Fine Payments Need Innovation

by bbissoon on 4/7/15, 10:03 PM with 6 comments

Quick Question: How many readers have spent a night in jail, justly or unjustly?

Edit: I've read some comments and you're not reading the question fully.

What were your experiences paying the fines?

If there was any fees/fine involved, was it reasonable and what city?

Was it a simple process?

Were there outside fees associated with paying the fines?

Did you go to a website or pay at the court house?

Thanks.

  • by up_and_up on 4/7/15, 10:18 PM

    Yes, following a non-violent protest.

    The police charged a group of us (with batons out etc), punched and tackled me and threw me in a paddy wagon. After a good cop/bad cop type interview I sat in jail all night.

    I ended up only having like a $300 fine for a traffic violation or something since I was on my bike.

    This happened in Santa Cruz, CA in 2001.

  • by pavel_lishin on 4/7/15, 10:08 PM

    > How many readers have spent a night in jail, justly or unjustly?

    Probably more than you expect.

    > What were your experiences paying the fines, if there was any fees/fine involved, was it reasonable and what city?

    This almost certainly varies quite a bit from place to place. Contact a lawyer; if you spend just one night behind bars, you can probably afford to at least talk to one about your situation.

  • by duncan_bayne on 4/7/15, 10:08 PM

    Nope, sorry. If there's any consolation to be had, you're in fine company:

    http://www.thesmokinggun.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/...