Ask HN: Existing Civil Fee/Fine Payments Need Innovation

[bbissoon]

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.

[up_and_up]

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.

[bbissoon]

Did you pay this fee online or at an establishment?

Could you pay down this fee or was it all due at one time?

[pavel_lishin]

> 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.

[bbissoon]

This is a question for experiences paying the fine, not so much for advice.

I've added to the question to make it clear.

[pavel_lishin]

Ooh, that's much clearer; I thought you were asking for advice on what to do :)

I don't remember the particulars of my run-ins with the law, but I wish you luck!

[duncan_bayne]

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

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