Montgomery mayor eliminates old unpaid fines and fees for residents

Today, Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed signed an executive order eliminating municipal fines and fees that have been unpaid for more than ten years. 

The order applies exclusively to municipal fees associated with most non-DUI traffic tickets,  misdemeanor possession of marijuana and Class C misdemeanors. 

Only the fines and fees assessed before Jan. 1, 2014, are eligible for relief. 

A new approach to justice in Montgomery

“This order reflects a broader change in how we approach justice in Montgomery. We are transitioning from a solely punitive focus to one that encourages a change in behavior while mitigating long-lasting detrimental consequences.” 

~ Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed

The initiative came about after a year-long discussion with members of the Mayor’s Fines and Fees Advisory Cohort. Representatives included:

• Montgomery Municipal Justice Center
• Montgomery County Family Court Division
• City Planning
• Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
• Southern Poverty Law Center 
• And others

 

Old fees and fines impact lives

According to the Mayor’s Office, this unpaid debt totals an estimated $40 million in Montgomery. The executive order can potentially waive a quarter of this debt.

Will eliminating these fines and fees matter?

An investigation launched by the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice says yes.

They discovered more than 80 percent of residents statewide with outstanding court debts are forced to choose between paying their traffic ticket debt or paying for essentials like rent, groceries, medicine or utilities. 50 percent have been jailed for failing to pay their court debt.

“These initiatives will ensure that the financial burden doesn’t dictate who succeeds and who struggles in our city. Our priority is safe streets and a more vibrant community for everyone.”

~ Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed

Additional details

The Mayor’s news release also clearly states the new Executive Order Number is not a blanket pardon and it does not expunge the original offense from one’s record. Those eligible for relief under this order can request information about what’s included in the waiver beginning on April 5, 2024.

Here is a copy of the Executive Order with all the details and Frequently Asked Questions webpage.