Thank you Jarod in Beaverton for sharing today's story.
Officials with Butte’s city and justice courts came up with a plan to ease the holiday budget burden by allowing people to pay fines with food.
In exchange for turning in 30 cans of food to the court, you get $150 off your fine. It’s all for a good cause, as it goes straight to the Butte Emergency Food Bank. It’s a program that’s been going on here for several years, and volunteers are appreciative of the efforts.
The program is applicable for those paying fines until Dec. 21. It is made possible thanks to a state law that allows misdemeanor fines to be subbed out for donations. Last year, more than 2,000 pounds of food were brought in and many give more than legally required.
Judges also encourage defendants to bring in Toys for Tots donations. No discount on fines are offered for that philanthropic effort, but it can be considered when it comes to sentencing.
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