Riverside County Will Charge Prisoners for Their Stay

On Tuesday, the Riverside County Supervisors approved the decision to charge county prisoners $142.42 per day for the length of their sentences at the Riverside County Jail.

The idea was proposed by county supervisor Jeff Stone. He feels that this plan could save the county between $3 million and $5 million each year. Riverside County jails house nearly 60,000 inmates annually.

Even though many criminals will not be able to afford paying this fee, it is estimated that nearly 25% of those who come through the jail system will be able to pay it.

The attorney for Riverside County determined that the reimbursement is a legal request. Each prisoner will have to be reviewed in order to determine their inability or ability to pay. The court must determine whether the inmate will be able to pay for these costs after fines and penalties have also been paid for. Their family support obligations will also be taken into consideration. Payment plans may be set for some prisoners.

Some questions will still need to be answered, such as whether those who are required to pay the reimbursement will face jail time if they fail to meet the payments.

The decision comes after the Supreme Court ruling that the state must reduce its inmate population. The California governor decided to accomplish this by sending prisoners to county jails for in order to serve their sentences.

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