By Katherine Levin of the Santa Fe Reporter- November 22, 2019
The Santa Fe Magistrate Court in New Mexico has seen a sharp decline. In 2016 $1.1 million in fines and fees were assessed but only 38% were collected. Citizens are challenged to pay and courts are overburdened in efforts to collect. Reporter Katherine Levine suggests alternatives are in order. The courts have implemented payment plans and use alternatives to payments through enrolling citizens in community service. But non-compliance still results in license suspensions which can then lead to further court involvement, Court participants should continue to take a hard look at the intent of penalties that provide justice while considering involved citizen’s ability to comply.