PROBATION AND MONETARY SANCTIONS IN GEORGIA: EVIDENCE FROM A MULTI-METHOD STUDY

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Sociology
• Public Policy

Background:

• Georgia has the highest rate of probation supervision nationally.
• Probation supervision is the main system for managing legal financial obligations (LFOs) in Georgia.
• Recent legislative reforms have targeted probation supervision practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the intersection of monetary sanctions and probation supervision in Georgia.
• To investigate the impact of LFOs on individuals under probation.
• To assess the perspectives of probationers and probation officers on monetary sanctions.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative data analysis from the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (2015-2018).
• Qualitative data from interviews with probationers and probation officers.
• Utilized data from the Multi-State Study of Monetary Sanctions.

Main Results:

• Significant disparities in fines and fees ordered across judicial districts, with rural areas imposing higher amounts.
• Probationers reported fear of incarceration due to inability to pay LFOs.
• Probation officers viewed LFO collection as a hindrance to their public safety mission.
• Both probationers and officers questioned the fairness and effectiveness of Georgia's monetary sanctions.

Conclusions:

• Monetary sanctions in Georgia's probation system present significant challenges regarding fairness, effectiveness, and impact on public safety.
• Findings suggest a need for further reform beyond recent legislative changes.
• The study provides evidence-based recommendations for improving the system of LFOs and probation.