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Attorney’s Fees. Legal fees vary substantially from case to case and lawyer to lawyer. The seriousness of the charges and strength of evidence affect the cost of defense. However, even defending a misdemeanor charge can be expensive. For example attorneys’ fees for a first time DUI can range from $2000-$10000 . The cost of hiring a lawyer to defend a shoplifting charge can be upwards of $10,000. Restitution. A judge has the power to force the person who committed the crime to compensate the victim for financial losses suffered as a result of the crime . This is done by an order of restitution . For example, if a person stole and sold something valued at $400, a judge can order $400 be paid to the victim. If a victim was injured as a result of a crime and missed work because of their injuries, a judge can order that the criminal to repay their medical costs and lost wages. If property was destroyed, they can be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Restitution orders do not expire. The former criminal remains legally liable for the debt until it is fully repaid, even if it takes their whole lifetime. A victim can collect money from the convicted person’s wages. Unpaid restitution judgments can be reported to collection agencies, making post- crime financial recovery even harder. Diversion Programs. Many states offer first-time offenders of low-level crimes a second chance. They may be assigned by a judge to a diversion program . The idea is that counseling, rather than punishment, may deter them from committing a second crime. Defendants typically must pay for their own diversion programs with a fee to the court. The fee can be more expensive than a fine. Diversion programs may also include employment counseling, education, job training, drug testing, psychiatric care, or community service. PRODUCT PREVIEW Lost Wages. Defending a crime is time-consuming! There are meetings with attorneys, time in court, jail time if convicted, and time spent in a diversion program or community service. Hours not spent at work are non-earning hours , and can result in a substantial loss of income or even loss of a job. While an employer may not be permitted to fire you for being arrested, in some states an employer is permitted to put you on unpaid leave. Fines. By law, many crimes are also punishable by a fine. The purpose of imposing fines for criminal activities is to provide deterrence and punishment for the defendant to prevent them from committing repeat offenses . Some fines are set by law; some are imposed at the discretion of a judge. The severity of the crime dictates the amount of the fine. A fine can be imposed with or without jail time. Reflect on Learning: If you commit a crime, you will have serious upfront costs associated with the arrest, the defense and punishment. Can you list them? Bail, attorneys fees, restitution, diversion program fees, lost income and wages, and fines. Depending on the type of crime, you can lose your drivers license, making it difficult get to a job. Long Term Costs of Crime In the old days, someone who committed a crime could serve their time or pay their fine, hopefully rehabilitate, and start anew. These days, it is very easy for prospective employers, banks, college admissions officers, and landlords, and others, to check records online, and most routinely do. Even if you were never convicted of the crime, the record of your arrest stays online for years . As a result, a criminal past can stick with you for Once a Wild Child On April 29th, 1975, at the age of 19, Bill Gates was arrested in Albuquerque for speeding in his Porsche and driving without a license. Fin Lit Trivia Fin Lit Trivia Fin Lit Trivia
Chapter 17 | How to Lose It All 338
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