Imprisonment for debt

[Ms Nicole]

What is the name of your state? AZ
"There shall be no imprisonment for debt, except in case of fraud." -As stated in the Az Constitution. My friend was arrested for misdemeanor traffic violations, and a failure to appear from city of Phoenix. City of Glendale has "hold" charges for past due fines from the charge working with out a contractors license. How can this be?

 

[garrula lingua]

In most jurisdictions, you have the option of doing community service or jail, in lieu of fines, if you tell the Judge you can't pay.

Debtor's prison no longer exists; people can still go to jail for not paying fines, but Judges will give them alternatives.

Some Judges will schedule an 'ability to pay' hearing to examine the defendant's finances; based upon the info, the Judge will decide the payment schedule.