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Donley Calls for Stiffer Criminal Fines

(JUNEAU) - The Senate Finance Committee last week introduced Senate Bill 339, which if passed would increase dramatically the maximum fine amounts that could be leveled against individuals and organization that are convicted of crimes.

According to Sen. Dave Donley (R-Anchorage), co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee, criminal fines against organizations have not been raised since 1990 and fines levied against individuals have not seen an increase since 1978.

"Criminal fines should serve a three fold purpose," said Donley. "First as a deterrent, second as punishment and third as repayment to victims and the state for damages and costs caused by the criminals' actions. Our current fine level falls short of those missions, and this legislation will remedy that."

The new fine structure would be as follows:

Individual Criminal Fines:

Organizational Criminal Fines:

Current: The current maximum an organization could be fined for a felony conviction or misdemeanor resulting in a death is $500,000 or twice the actual monetary damages.

Increase: Under SB 339 the maximum amount an organization could be fined for a felony conviction or misdemeanor that results in a death would be $1 million or three time the actual money damages.

Although most states have criminal fines lower than the ones he is proposing, Donley said, some other states have already increased their fines to levels similar to the ones he is proposing.

"While these higher fine levels may not always be collectable," Donley said. "When criminals have the financial ability to pay, they should."

SB 339 will be heard first by the Senate Finance Committee.

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