Pinellas County collects nearly $300K in felon fees and fines, 290 people restore voting rights
The Pinellas County Clerk of Court Office has collected $298,629 in felon fees and fines, according to a news release, although it did not specify a span of time nor how many people contributed to that amount. The office’s announcement follows a decision from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled the state could require felons to pay fines, restitution and legal fees before they can regain their right to vote.
The money from these fines and fees is distributed based on the statutory fee and fine schedule, which includes broad categories of distribution such as to the State of Florida, the Clerks of Court State Trust Fund, Pinellas County, and local municipalities, among others.
When inquiring about the amount due in order to have voting rights restored, Burke says it is important to identify the inquiry as related to voting rights, since the amount usually differs from the total amount due.
That’s due to several factors, including probation violations that could alter the amount due in order to have voting rights restored, as well as if the court allowed for community service hours to offset fees. Also, if the Court modified the original sentencing document, the calculation of the modification must be taken into account.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/371135-pinellas-county-collects-nearly-300k-in-felon-fees-and-fines-290-people-restore-voting-rights
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