So it's fair to fine someone a greater percentage of their income than another? That's fair? It's fair to fine me 1% of my income and fine you 15% of your income? Do you feel that's fair?
The purpose of a fine, presumably, is to create a deterrent, while also repaying society. As others have said, paying a $20 fine is nothing to one who makes $200,000 a year (that's just an appetizer or two on a Wednesday night), but to the person making minimum wage, that $20 fine represents nearly three hours worth of work. How is that more fair?
No, you are punishing people because they broke the law/ordinance. Big difference.
This is 100% true. It would be very difficult to judge wealth/income on a quick basis. Heck, it's hard to do it over a period of time.
:lol:
Many many poor people have cars. Ironically enough, many times their vehicle is one of the reasons they are poor. My wife files Chapter 7 bankruptcies for a living...poor people have vehicles.
If that's the case, a percentage of income fine on someone making $100,000 a year certainly would fill the coffers much quicker, would it not?
This isn't necessarily true either though. Most people who get breaks with the law are the ones who can afford attorneys. Generally speaking, attorneys turn problems into much smaller problems. For people who are REALLY poor, there are programs out there which allow them to hook up with an attorney who will represent them and the government pays the attorney a set fee. My wife's boss participates in such a program. They get a set amount per case and the attorney represents the client and they get to keep whatever money is left over after the case is over.
