The Hidden Costs of Incarceration

Mike's story sheds light on the excessive financial toll faced by many inmates in the criminal justice system. After serving a five-year sentence, his initial debts have ballooned due to a combination of bail, legal fees, court costs, and mandatory incarceration-related charges. Upon his release, he finds himself burdened with over $19,000 in debt, which doesn't include additional fines and restitution. The accumulating fees begin immediately upon arrest, escalating further through mandatory contributions to various state funds and the costs associated with monitoring devices. His meager prison wages are garnished, leaving him with limited means to communicate with family or purchase essential items, as everything in prison is sold at marked-up prices. This vicious cycle doesn’t just impact individuals like Mike; it heavily weighs on their families, often resorting to financial sacrifices to support their loved ones. As Mike attempts to reintegrate into society, he faces daunting obstacles, including employment discrimination, a stain on his credit history, and the threat of reincarceration for unpaid debts. He feels entrapped, illustrating how the monetary burdens of the justice system serve not only as punishment but also as a hindrance to rehabilitation and reentry into society, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and crime.