After a class-action lawsuit claimed Virginia suspends the driver’s licenses of those too poor to pay fines and court costs in an “unconstitutional scheme,” the state replied Monday, saying the suit raised no legitimate complaint.
News Story (Virginia)
Justin Wm. Moyer
Washington Post
October 5, 2016
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Tags: Driver's license suspension
Organizations mentioned/involved: Legal Aid Justice Center (Virginia)
News Story (Virginia)
Justin Wm. Moyer
Washington Post
October 5, 2016
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Tags: Driver's license suspension
Organizations mentioned/involved: Legal Aid Justice Center (Virginia)
DETAILS
The suit described the problems of four named plaintiffs, including Damian Stinnie, 24, a Charlottesville man diagnosed with lymphoma who became homeless after failing to pay about $1,000 in traffic fines.
“Mr. Stinnie has been and still is unable to get on a payment plan in any of these courts because they each have highly restrictive payment plan policies that prevent his entry,” the lawsuit said.
The national debate about how fines and court costs punish the poor was sparked last year after an investigation in Ferguson, Mo., following the police shooting of Michael Brown.
In the response, Virginia said its laws do not discriminate.