DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court is being urged to strike down a law that forces people convicted of crimes to pay millions of dollars for the everyday costs of running local courts.
The justices heard arguments Wednesday.
The challenge comes at a key time: The law expires in October, and any decision from the Supreme Court will affect how the Legislature responds.
Critics say it’s unconstitutional for a judge to oversee a criminal case and also have the power to order someone to pay to keep the lights on and the building clean.
From 2018 through 2020, courts collected $108 million statewide, and 75% of that was collected in District Courts.
Those courts handle traffic tickets, drunken driving cases and other misdemeanors.
