Poverty Penalties and Poverty Traps

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State Statute Description/Statute Name Statutory language Type of poverty penalty or poverty trap Level of offense Mandatory
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Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-244(6) Type and time of payment--defenses--ensuring payment
For a felony offense: (a) during any period that the offender is incarcerated, the department of corrections shall take a percentage, as set by department rule, of any money in
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any account of the defendant administered by the department and use the money to satisfy any existing restitution obligation; (b) at the beginning of any period during which the offender is not incarcerated, the offender shall sign a statement allowing any employer of the offender to garnish up to 25% of the offender's compensation and give the garnished amounts to the department of corrections to be used by the department to satisfy any existing restitution obligation; and (c) during any period that the defendant is on probation or parole, the probation and parole officer shall set a monthly restitution payment amount by dividing the total amount of unpaid restitution by the number of remaining months of probation or parole. The probation and parole officer may adjust the monthly payment up or down by a maximum of 10%, depending on the offender's circumstances.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-244(7) Type and time of payment--defenses--ensuring payment
The department of corrections shall give the department of revenue a copy of the order to pay restitution. If full restitution has not been paid, the department of revenue shall,
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pursuant to an agreement made under 46-18-241, intercept any state tax refunds and any federal tax refunds, as provided by law, due the offender and transfer the money to the department of corrections for a felony offense and to the sentencing court for a misdemeanor offense for disbursement to the victim.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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New York Penal Law § 60.35(5) Inmate money
When a person who is convicted of a crime or violation and sentenced to a term of imprisonment has failed to pay the mandatory surcharge, sex offender registration fee, DNA
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databank fee, crime victim assistance fee or supplemental sex offender victim fee required by this section, the clerk of the court that rendered the conviction shall notify the superintendent or the municipal official of the facility where the person is confined. The superintendent or the municipal official shall cause any amount owing to be collected from such person during his or her term of imprisonment from moneys to the credit of an inmates' fund or such moneys as may be earned by a person in a work release program pursuant to section eight hundred sixty of the correction law. 
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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New York N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1809(5) Inmate money
The superintendent or the municipal official shall cause any amount owing to be collected from such person during his term of imprisonment from moneys to the credit of an inmates'
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fund or such moneys as may be earned by a person in a work release program pursuant to section eight hundred sixty of the correction law.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Michigan Mich. Comp. Laws § 780.796(b)(1)-(3) Deductions and payments - juvenile
(1) If a juvenile who has been sentenced to the department of corrections is ordered to pay restitution under section 44, and if the juvenile receives more than $50.00 in
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a month, the department of corrections shall deduct 50% of the amount over $50.00 received by the juvenile for payment of the restitution. The department of corrections shall promptly send the deducted money to the court or to the crime victim as provided in the order of restitution when it accumulates to an amount that exceeds $100.00, or when the juvenile is paroled, transferred to community programs, or discharged on the maximum sentence. (2) If a juvenile who has been sentenced to jail is ordered to pay restitution under section 44, and if the juvenile receives more than $50.00 in a month, the sheriff may deduct 50% of the amount over $50.00 received by the juvenile for payment of the restitution, and 5% of the amount over $50.00 received by the juvenile to be retained by the sheriff as an administrative fee. The sheriff shall promptly send the money deducted for restitution to the court or to the crime victim as provided in the order of restitution when it accumulates to an amount that exceeds $100.00, or when the juvenile is released to probation or discharged on the maximum sentence. (3) If a juvenile who has been placed in a juvenile facility is ordered to pay restitution under section 44, and if the juvenile receives more than $50.00 in a month, the department of human services or the county juvenile agency, as applicable, may deduct 50% of the amount over $50.00 received by the juvenile for payment of the restitution. The department of human services or the county juvenile agency, as applicable, shall promptly send the deducted money to the court or to the crime victim as provided in the order of restitution when it accumulates to an amount that exceeds $100.00, or when the juvenile is released from the juvenile facility.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Michigan Mich. Comp. Laws § 780.826(15) Offsetting tax refunds
In each case in which payment of restitution is ordered as a condition of probation, the court shall order any employed defendant to make regularly scheduled restitution payments. If the
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defendant misses 2 or more regularly scheduled payments, the court shall order the defendant to execute a wage assignment to pay the restitution. The probation officer assigned to the case shall review the case not less than twice yearly to ensure that restitution is being paid as ordered. If the restitution was ordered to be made within a specific period of time, the probation officer assigned to the case shall review the case at the end of the specific period of time to determine if the restitution has been paid in full. The final review shall be conducted not less than 60 days before the probationary period expires. If the probation officer determines at any review that restitution is not being paid as ordered, the probation officer shall file a written report of the violation with the court on a form prescribed by the state court administrative office or shall petition the court for a probation violation. The report or petition shall include a statement of the amount of the arrearage and any reasons for the arrearage known by the probation officer. The probation officer shall immediately provide a copy of the report or petition to the prosecuting attorney. If a petition or motion is filed or other proceedings are initiated to enforce payment of restitution and the court determines that restitution is not being paid or has not been paid as ordered by the court, the court shall promptly take action necessary to compel compliance.
Wage/bank account garnishment Misdemeanor Yes
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Michigan Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.40119(7) Illegal killing, possessing, purchasing, or selling of game or protected animals; restitution; value of animal; order; default in payment; collection
(7) If a defendant fails to pay upon conviction the sum ordered by the court to be forfeited, the court shall either impose a sentence and, as a condition of
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the sentence, require the defendant to satisfy the forfeiture in the amount prescribed and fix the manner and time of payment, or make a written order permitting the defendant to pay the sum to be forfeited in installments at those times and in those amounts that, in the opinion of the court, the defendant is able to pay.
Payment plan/installment plan Misdemeanor Yes
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Michigan Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.40119(8) Illegal killing, possessing, purchasing, or selling of game or protected animals; restitution; value of animal; order; default in payment; collection
(8) If a defendant defaults in payment of the sum forfeited or of an installment, the court on motion of the department or upon its own motion may require the
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defendant to show cause why the default should not be treated as a civil contempt, and the court may issue a summons or warrant of arrest for his or her appearance. Unless the defendant shows that the default was not due to an intentional refusal to obey the order of the court or to a failure to make a good-faith effort to obtain the funds required for the payment, the court shall find that the default constitutes a civil contempt.
Payment plan/installment plan Misdemeanor Yes
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Michigan Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.40119(9) Illegal killing, possessing, purchasing, or selling of game or protected animals; restitution; value of animal; order; default in payment; collection
(9) If it appears that the defendant's default in the payment of the forfeiture does not constitute civil contempt, the court may enter an order allowing the defendant additional time
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for payment, reducing the amount of the forfeiture or of each installment, or revoking the forfeiture or the unpaid portion of the forfeiture, in whole or in part.
Payment plan/installment plan Misdemeanor Yes
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Pennsylvania Pa. R. Crim. P. 142 Procedures Governing Defaults in Payment of Fine Imposed as Punishment for Contempt; if found unable to pay
(A) If a contemnor defaults on the payment of a fine imposed as punishment for contempt pursuant to Rule 140(A)(1) and (B)(3), the issuing authority shall notify the contemnor in
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person or by first class mail that within 10 days of the date on the default notice the contemnor must either: (1) pay the amount due as ordered, or (2) appear before the issuing authority to explain why the contemnor should not be imprisoned for nonpayment as provided by law, or a bench warrant for the contemnor's arrest shall be issued. (B) When the contemnor appears either in response to the paragraph (A)(2) notice or following an arrest with a warrant issued pursuant to paragraph (A), the issuing authority shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the contemnor is financially able to pay as ordered. (1) Upon a determination that the defendant is financially able to pay as ordered, the issuing authority may impose imprisonment for nonpayment, as provided by law. (2) Upon a determination that the contemnor is financially unable to pay as ordered, the issuing authority may order a schedule for installment payments. (C) A contemnor may appeal an issuing authority's determination pursuant to this rule by filing a notice of appeal within 30 days of the issuing authority's order. The appeal shall proceed as provided in Rule 141.
Payment plan/installment plan All Yes
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Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 53.1-45.1 Work program wage garnishment
C. The Director shall arrange for compensation for such employment. Wages earned by prisoners shall be paid to the Director who shall deduct from such wages, in the following order
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of priority, an amount to:1. Meet the obligation of any judicial or administrative order to provide support and such funds shall be disbursed according to the terms of such order; 2. Pay any fines, restitution or costs as ordered by the court; and 3. Defray a portion of the prisoner's keep.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 53.1-60 Work release wage garnishment
C. The compensation for such employment shall be arranged by the Director and shall be the same as that of regular employees in similar occupations. Any wages earned shall be
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paid to the Director. The Director shall, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Board, deduct from such wages, in the following order of priority, an amount to:1. Meet the obligation of any judicial or administrative order to provide support and such funds shall be disbursed according to the terms of such order; 2. Pay any fines, restitution or costs as ordered by the court;
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 53.1-60.1 Inmate trust account garnishment
Upon receipt of a valid court order or judgment against a person confined in a state correctional facility, the Director or his designee shall satisfy, to the extent possible, the
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amount required to be paid by the order or judgment from the inmate's trust account. The Director shall promulgate regulations governing the process of collecting funds from inmates to be used for (i) the satisfaction of judgments or orders granting monetary relief or imposing fines or other monetary sanctions or (ii) payment of court costs and fees.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 53.1-127.3 Installment payment agreement
If a person is unable to pay in full the fees owed to the local correctional facility or regional jail pursuant to § 53.1-131.3, the sheriff or jail superintendent shall
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establish a deferred or installment payment agreement subject to the approval of the general district court. As a condition of every such agreement, a person who enters into a deferred or installment payment agreement shall promptly inform the sheriff or jail superintendent of any change of mailing address during the term of the agreement.
Payment plan/installment plan All Yes
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Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 53.1-131.2(H) Work release while on home/electronic incarceration program wage garnishment
H. Any wages earned by an offender or accused assigned to a home/electronic incarceration program and participating in work release shall be paid to the director or administrator after standard
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payroll deductions required by law. Distribution of the money collected shall be made in the following order of priority to: 1. Meet the obligation of any judicial or administrative order to provide support and such funds shall be disbursed according to the terms of such order; 2. Pay any fines, restitution or costs as ordered by the court;
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 66-25.1:3(C) Juvenile work release program wage garnishment
C. The compensation for such employment shall be arranged by the Director and shall be the same as that of regular employees in similar occupations. Any wages earned shall be
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paid to the Director. The Director shall, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Board, deduct from such wages, in the following order of priority, an amount to: 1. Meet the obligation of any judicial or administrative order to provide support, and such funds shall be disbursed according to the terms of such order; 2. Pay any fines, restitution, or costs as ordered by the court; and 3. Pay travel and other such expenses made necessary by his work release employment or participation in an educational or rehabilitative program.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-354(A) Installment Plan
A. Whenever (i) a defendant, convicted of a traffic infraction or a violation of any criminal law of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision thereof, or found not innocent
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in the case of a juvenile, is sentenced to pay a fine, restitution, forfeiture or penalty and (ii) the defendant is unable to make payment of the fine, restitution, forfeiture, or penalty and costs within 30 days of sentencing, the court shall order the defendant to pay such fine, restitution, forfeiture or penalty and any costs which the defendant may be required to pay in deferred payments or installments. The court assessing the fine, restitution, forfeiture, or penalty and costs may authorize the clerk to establish and approve individual deferred or installment payment agreements. Any payment agreement authorized under this section shall be consistent with the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, including any required minimum payments or other required conditions. The requirements established by the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia shall be posted in the clerk's office and on the court's website, if a website is available.
Payment plan/installment plan All Yes
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Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-354(B) work release, home/electronic incarceration or nonconsecutive days program wage garnishment
B. When a person sentenced to the Department of Corrections or a local correctional facility owes any fines, costs, forfeitures, restitution or penalties, he shall be required as a condition
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of participating in any work release, home/electronic incarceration or nonconsecutive days program as set forth in § 53.1-60, 53.1-131, 53.1-131.1, or 53.1-131.2 to either make full payment or make payments in accordance with his installment or deferred payment agreement while participating in such program....The Director of the Department of Corrections and any sheriff or other administrative head of any local correctional facility shall withhold such ordered payments from any amounts due to such person.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Nevada Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 176.278 Payment of restitution from civil judgment or settlement in favor of defendant and against State, political subdivision, officer, employee or contractor.
1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, if a person who is or was imprisoned in the state prison or a county or city jail or detention facility is awarded
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a judgment against: (a) The State of Nevada, a county or a city; (b) A department, commission, board or other agency of the State of Nevada, a county or a city; or (c) A current or former officer, employee or contractor of the State of Nevada, a county or a city, arising from a civil action that accrued while the person was imprisoned in the state prison or county or city jail or detention facility, the person or governmental entity that pays the judgment shall deposit the money for the judgment with the court. The court shall deduct from the money received from the judgment any amount of money owed by the person for restitution and send the money to the appropriate person, governmental agency or political subdivision of a governmental agency to whom restitution is owed. 2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, if a person enters into a settlement for money in an action described in subsection 1, the person or governmental entity that pays the settlement shall deposit the money for the settlement with the court in which the action was filed or the district court of the county in which the person resides if no action was filed. The court shall deduct from the money deposited with the court any amount of money owed by the person for restitution and send the money to the appropriate person, governmental agency or political subdivision of a governmental agency to whom restitution is owed. 3.  If any money remains after the court makes the deduction pursuant to subsection 1 or 2, the court shall forward the remaining money to the person who initiated the action. 4.  The provisions of this section do not apply to a judgment or settlement in a case that involves the death of a person who was imprisoned.
Wage/bank account garnishment All Yes
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Nevada Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 209.4837(E)   Agreement for assignment and distribution of wages of offender; schedule of restitution.  
The agreement must contain a schedule of restitution payments to be made to all victims of crimes for which the offender is incarcerated and for which an amount of restitution
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was set pursuant to NRS 176.033. The payments may be made subject to such terms as the Director considers advisable.
Payment plan/installment plan All Yes