DAY FINES

Day Fines

Day Fines

Day fines are also commonly known as structured fines and refer to monetary fines that are calculated on the basis of a convicted individual's financial status. Originally used in Europe, day fines differ from traditional, pre-established fines in that they are calculated using a two-step mathematical formula. The first step of calculation involves the individual's offense being rated on an established scale using the gravity of the offense as a basis for consideration (Silverman, 2008). The second step involves multiplying the number of units from step one by a percentage of the offender's daily income. Along with daily income, the number of dependents living with the offender is considered, as is any additional financial considerations deemed important by the court.

I think that the use of day fines has received mixed support in the criminal justice system, with supporters arguing that the system is effective because it deters financially secure individuals from committing crimes and, at the same time, provides financial revenues for the court (Clear, 2007). The deterrence argument stems from the belief that traditional fines, which are equal regardless of social class, do not inflict sufficient harm on a wealthy defendant. Therefore, a wealthy defendant may commit a crime because she realizes she is capable of paying the fine without losing a significant amount of income. Under the day fine system, this same individual may reconsider her desire to commit a criminal act because she fears the financial result of the act (Silverman, 2008).

I am for the day fines because they also prevent the already over-burdened criminal justice system from having to deal with offenders who pose less of a risk to the public. Instead of the justice system paying for a supervised release or treatment program, the offender is instead paying the court for her ...