High restitution costs keep the formerly incarcerated in a prison of debt.

In Washington, formerly incarcerated men and women face massive debts – some people will come out of prison with $14,000 in fines and fees. Those who cannot pay are at risk of arrest and reimprisonment, adding on to the already hiking fees from previous felonies.

These people are not a threat to the public. Many cases are victimless, meaning that nobody was assaulted and no property was damaged or stolen, yet their sentences continue to punish them for crimes even after their sentencing. As a result of their ex-convict status, many of them are unable to obtain the necessary means to earn that money such as a driver’s license, a place to stay, food and other necessities. Of the ones who do find work, many of them work long hours without any days off only to earn minimum wage.