KCRW (Press Play with Madeleine Brand): Traffic Debt

Original reporting from KCRW.

By MadelEine Brand

A troubling trend is happening in California: traffic tickets are funding the court system. A new study by a coalition of legal aid and civil rights groups finds that low income Californians are the most affected. They get caught in a vicious cycle of violations and fines, often leading to lost licenses. This makes it harder to keep or find employment.
Guests:
Everette Cain, 28-year old from South LA, who has more than $4,000 in ticket fines and court fees from just 3 citations. His licence is currently suspended.
Theresa Zhen, works with “A New Way of Life Reentry Project,” which provides legal aid to people who have been incarcerated or arrested.

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