criminal justice debt relief news

In early March 2022, a federal judge signed off on a court settlement requiring the NCDMV to send a special notice to tens of thousands of drivers about how they can request a court hearing; to determine if revocation of their driver’s licenses was the result of an inability to pay fines and fees, and if they may be eligible for an adjustment in these costs and reinstatement of their license.

In addition to the special notice, the DMV will be required:

• To include in future notices specific information about how a driver can petition and show to the court an inability to pay a traffic-related fine or before receiving a revocation notice.
• To fund an informational website with videos, written explanations, and other materials on how to prevent loss of license because of non-payment.
• To reference this website in the special and newly revised notices for 18 months and to include this information on the DMV’s website and in its various offices across the state.

The form to request relief from fines & fees (AOC CR-415) is attached, along with a guide to using it. The website referenced below is here:
https://www.endcriminaljusticedebtnc.org/