[Eagles6]

So if a drunk driver with no insurance runs into to you, maims you for life and destroys your property it's unfair to make him pay restitution?

[ExTxMarine]

So if a drunk driver with no insurance runs into to you, maims you for life and destroys your property it's unfair to make him pay restitution?

I have seen this type of scenario, and it can be very ugly!

First, this person will go to jail for a long while, and then when they get out, they are ordered to pay a restitution of $600.00 a month for the next three/four years. So far, I think we can both understand and agree with this - right?

However, if this guy gets laid off or cannot find a good paying job, or does not have enough to pay for a place to live and eat, etc... he can be sent BACK TO JAIL for failing to pay this "debt!"

I understand the requirement to pay, but didn't he "pay" society with his imprisonment? How much MORE does he have to pay? And, if he is not able to pay, then we should confine him for getting laid off? Where does it end?

[goseminoles]

” So if a drunk driver with no insurance runs into to you, maims you for life and destroys your property it’s unfair to make him pay restitution?”

I’m not sure they are talking about restutution. Restutution is always a condition of probation. VOP’s are ther result of failing to pay. I think they are talking court costs and fees. These are civil matters.

[apillar]

It depends on the state you live in. In my state, the only thing that courts will can do if you have an unpaid fine or judgment (other than child support) is suspend your drivers license and attempt to garnish your wages. There are people in the system with over $20,000 in unpaid fines that have accrued over the years and as long as they work under the table and don't drive, or more likely drive without a license, there is really nothing else the state can do.

[microgood]

So if a drunk driver with no insurance runs into to you, maims you for life and destroys your property it's unfair to make him pay restitution?

This is a bad example because it is a crime - vehicular assault.

A better example would be not paying child support.

They got rid of debtor prisons a long time ago for good reasons. But the current generations are devoid of reason so we have it back. Next will be the Cat of Nine Tails.