Millions of adults—approximately 1 in every 75 people—are under probation or parole supervision in the U.S. In most states, people on probation or parole are required to pay supervision fees that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. People also must often pay additional programming fees for mandatory mental health counseling, electronic monitoring, and drug testing. When people can’t afford probation and parole fees, they are often re-incarcerated and the length of supervision can be extended.
This report, co-published by the Fines and Fees Justice Center and REFORM Alliance, presents a state-by-state look at scope of probation and parole supervision fees, programming fees and the consequences for the failure-to-pay. The first two appendices included within this report outline the statutory and regulatory provisions granting a court or an agency authority to impose these fees. Where possible, supplemental information on how these provisions operate in practice obtained from interviews with probation and parole staff in some states, is included. The final appendix outlines how failure to pay fees associated with supervision or programming can affect a person’s probation or parole. Based on statutes alone, the report categorizes the authorized potential consequences individuals may face for failure to pay these fees.
Want to know where your state stands on probation and parole fees? View the full report to get specific information on each state and its statutes.