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> That violates the principle of equality before the law

Quite the opposite. It would restore equality in the punishment, as it should hurt the same to the offender no matter how wealthy they are. As it is now, we're favoring the rich overwhelmingly.

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Which brings the wonderful quote by Anatole France that is worth keeping in mind and spreading far and wide:

The law, in its majestic equality, forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal their bread.

Indeed, equality before the law really is not a straightforward thing.

If anything, even a flat percentage does not create equality. If I was fined 30% of my annual income for something, it'd suck, but I'd just take it out of savings. But many lower earners who'd pay much less would struggle with the same. But fines as a percentage would at least be an improvement.

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