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Statutory Surcharges on Fines and Forfeitures

NCJ Number
113934
Date Published
1988
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This report provides background information on the distinction between fines and forfeitures and other types of monetary payments in Wisconsin statutes and provides detailed information on each of the statutory surcharges and programs and activities funded by them in the State.
Abstract
In Wisconsin, crimes may be subject to fines, and civil offenses may be subject to forfeiture. In part as a response to limitations placed on the use of such revenues for school operation, statutory surcharges were enacted to help support other State and local programs. These surcharges may be a percentage of the fine or forfeiture or a fixed amount. Surcharges for law enforcement programs include natural resources and penalty assessments, natural resources restitution payments, weapons and jail assessments, and crime prevention organization contribution. These surcharges largely provide funds for personnel and equipment, training, crime prevention education, and jails. Domestic abuse assessment, restitutive administrative, driver improvement, crime victim and witness assistance, restitution cost, and drug program improvement surcharges provide funds for victim, witness, and offender programs. Such surcharges are used to cover costs of grants to service providers and for training and education programs designed to prevent or deter certain behaviors. 9 tables.