RI Courts looking to recoup $81M in unpaid fees

Rhode Island courts are looking to recoup $81 million in unpaid fines and fees dating back to the 70’s.

On March 1st 276 delinquency letters were sent out. The letters require the offender to pay up within 30 days. If you don’t comply, the letter says your information will be posted on the Judiciary website.

"It could be for traffic offenses, it could be for misdemeanor crimes, and it could be for felonies,” said Court Spokesman Craig Berke. "They go back as far as the 80’s and some to the 70’s."

Berke says they decided to do this now after getting software that would make it possible to track down all those who owe.

"Until fairly recently we did not have the ability to pair the notices in such a way that would filter out people who are already on payment plans, people who have appeals,” said Berke.

Many of the mailings were sent out to multiple addresses and as a result thousands have already come back un-deliverable.

Since sending the letters the court has received complaints of people who claim they’ve paid fees or fines years ago..

Berke says if you find yourself in that situation.. the best thing you can do is come to the court house to sort it out.

"We will take them on a case by case basis. We are happy to try and straighten this out,” said Berke.

It cost more than $142,000 for the mailing.

All money that comes back in to the courts will go to the General Treasury.

(C) WLNE 2016