Debt-free justice: Advocates observe ‘415 Day’ to raise awareness about court fees

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On Tuesday, advocates across North Carolina observed 415 Day to raise awareness about the financial burden court fees.

The North Carolina Justice Center said since 1999, the state has expanded the number of court fees from four to 45, bringing the base cost of going to court from $61 to more than $170. 

Those fees are sometimes placed on people that have no way to pay for them, but in NC, a little-known form titled AOC-CR-415 allows defendants to request that the judge waive or reduce fees based on their ability to pay.  

On Tuesday attorney’s and activists across the state helped people file that form. 

Dequan Peters with the North Carolina Second Chance Alliance said the fees disproportionately affect those with less income. 

“You’re putting people in a situation that further marginalizes them and puts them at a disadvantage. That’s not a system that’s saying that you’re for second chances.” he said. “That’s not a system that says you’re standing for reentry, because how do you want somebody to reenter back into society, in debt?” 

Peters said it’s not just defendants that benefit from education about the 415 form, according to him, many attorneys in our area aren’t aware either.