All but 29 counties have stopped collecting the outstanding fees.
Across the nation, when juveniles are arrested for crimes, their families are often charged for a variety of services — including their own detention. The same items that are free for adult defendants, such as public defenders, are billed to the families of children who are caught up in the system. Until 2017, California was one of those states.
A recent Washington Post article highlights just how expensive the system could be. One mother told of how she got a bill for $16,000 after her foster daughter spent 3 months in a California juvenile detention facility. This included costs for a court-appointed attorney, electronic monitoring, staying in a juvenile hall and restitution. The mother’s income and tax returns were garnished as a result — and she ultimately lost her home. This is despite the fact that, as a foster mother, she should have been exempt from these charges.
California was one of many states that requires children and their families to pay for a number of services and items associated with the juvenile justice system. This typically includes fines, fees and restitution, as well as public defenders, drug testing and probation supervision. In 2017, California was the first state to repeal these fees — although courts can still charge fines to youth as punishment, as well as restitution for victims.
California has collected fees for juvenile offenders since 1961. It was a source of revenue for government agencies, and over the years, the law was changed to allow for even more charges to be added. Although California repealed the practice in 2017, 29 counties are still collecting on outstanding charges that were imposed before the ban was enacted — a total of $150 million in fees. 58 counties stopped collecting on the charges after the statute was passed, relieving families of almost $225 million.
Although the practice of charging juveniles for the same services that adult criminal defendants generally receive for free has ended in California, there are still serious consequences associated with the juvenile justice system in California. That is why it is vitally important to have a skilled Riverside juvenile justice attorney to represent your child if he or she has been charged with a crime.
Attorney Dan E. Chambers has significant experience as both a prosecutor and a private criminal defense attorney. He knows the system, and is dedicated to helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome. His team of dedicated professionals at the Chambers Law Firm will work had to defend your child from juvenile charges, and will stand by him or her throughout the process. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule an appointment with a Riverside juvenile justice attorney. Initial consultations are always free.
