aNewDomain — Many municipalities across the United States charge prison inmates for the cost of their own imprisonment, often at rates similar to those charged by hotels. When they get out, most cannot pay because they’re indigent, so they’re rearrested, and rejailed for nonpayment, and charged even more. Now you know where they get the phrase “criminal charges.”
Criminal Charges: How Municipalities Fund Jails cartoon: Ted Rall
For aNewDomain, I’m Ted Rall.
Cover image of city officials and jail administrators at the Richmond Justice Center: StyleWeekly, All Rights Reserved.
