Maybe makes the big guys sting some, but the same percentage for someone that is counting every penny for their food is still going to be more painful for them.
Make it a percentage of disposable income, calculated as income plus 4% of net worth minus average living expenses for your city.
To avoid letting low-income people commit certain crimes without any penalty, maybe have a minimum fine but allow anyone who would be eligible to pay less than the minimum to make up the difference with community service (i.e., if the minimum fine is $200 and the calculated percentage of their disposable income would only be $100, they can pay $100 and then work 10 hours of community service).
Some countries make their penalties a percentage of income. Makes the sting equal for everyone.
Maybe makes the big guys sting some, but the same percentage for someone that is counting every penny for their food is still going to be more painful for them.
Make it a percentage of disposable income, calculated as income plus 4% of net worth minus average living expenses for your city.
To avoid letting low-income people commit certain crimes without any penalty, maybe have a minimum fine but allow anyone who would be eligible to pay less than the minimum to make up the difference with community service (i.e., if the minimum fine is $200 and the calculated percentage of their disposable income would only be $100, they can pay $100 and then work 10 hours of community service).
True. And we can't legislate our way out of this. Any legislation we proffer and make happen will be weaponized against the poor.