LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ An Arkansas jury has decided a Little Rock fine
installment plan violated the state constitution’s due process protections.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports LaDonna Nelson sued Little Rock in
2014. She alleged she had to pay $30 in installment fees in addition to a $115
speeding fine, despite paying the fine within a month of it being imposed.
Nelson’s seeking restitution for all early fine payers from May 2011 to July
2014, which was when the fee procedure was abolished. Her lawyers say city
records indicate more than 13,000 people could be eligible for refunds.
Deputy City Attorney Rick Hogan says Nelson had options to contest the fee. He
says the city shouldn’t be responsible for how the traffic court is run since
it’s not a city department.
Damages will be decided in a separate proceeding that hasn’t yet been
scheduled.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI