Ask HN: Existing Civil Fee/Fine Payments Need Innovation

Yes, following a non-violent protest.

The police charged a group of us (with batons out etc), punched and tackled me and threw me in a paddy wagon. After a good cop/bad cop type interview I sat in jail all night.

I ended up only having like a $300 fine for a traffic violation or something since I was on my bike.

This happened in Santa Cruz, CA in 2001.

Did you pay this fee online or at an establishment?

Could you pay down this fee or was it all due at one time?

> How many readers have spent a night in jail, justly or unjustly?

Probably more than you expect.

> What were your experiences paying the fines, if there was any fees/fine involved, was it reasonable and what city?

This almost certainly varies quite a bit from place to place. Contact a lawyer; if you spend just one night behind bars, you can probably afford to at least talk to one about your situation.

This is a question for experiences paying the fine, not so much for advice.

I've added to the question to make it clear.

Ooh, that's much clearer; I thought you were asking for advice on what to do :)

I don't remember the particulars of my run-ins with the law, but I wish you luck!

Nope, sorry. If there's any consolation to be had, you're in fine company:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/...