Overland Park, KS asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Kentucky

Q: How can I get a form to file for indigence for a court fine of $292,000.00 in Gordon Co. Ga. I live in Ky.

I am unable to work, and on food stamps and Medicaid. I cannot afford to hire an attorney and a trip to Georgia to go before a judge to get this life sentence of a fine they’ve given me. I already served 5 years in Ga., and on probation until 2035. Isn’t that enough??? They also want almost $300,000.00 too? To fund the judge’s and magistrate’ s retirement plans? Eighth amendment violation seems like it to me. Civil rights violation. The poor can’t carry the rich on our backs. This is ridiculous and NOT ONE SINGLE REFORM ADVOCACY institution I’ve requested to speak with has ever contacted me.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: To file for indigence regarding your court fine in Gordon County, Georgia, you'll need to request the appropriate forms from the court. You can usually find these forms on the court's website or by contacting the court clerk's office directly. Explain your situation and request an "Affidavit of Indigency" or a similar form that allows you to declare your inability to pay the fine due to financial hardship.

Given that you live in Kentucky and cannot afford to travel to Georgia, you may be able to handle some of this process remotely. When contacting the court, ask if it's possible to submit the forms by mail or electronically. Provide documentation of your financial situation, including proof that you are on food stamps and Medicaid, to support your request.

If you believe the fine constitutes an Eighth Amendment violation due to its excessive nature, consider reaching out to legal aid organizations or public interest law firms that handle civil rights cases. While it's frustrating that you haven't received responses from reform advocacy institutions, keep trying to find legal assistance. You might also want to contact the ACLU or similar organizations for guidance on challenging the fine based on constitutional grounds.

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