Crowdfunding in the Criminal Justice System: A Unique Solution
Jacqueline Smoot, a resident of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, found herself in a precarious situation when her lively miniature border collie, Mitzy, escaped from her home. Within moments, Mitzy was exploring a neighbor’s chicken coop, leaving feathers scattered in her wake. As a result, Animal Control issued citations to Smoot for “harboring a vicious animal” and “animal at large,” claiming that Mitzy had attacked the chickens.
About a month later, a judge imposed a fine of $658 on Smoot, who works as a portrait photographer at J.C. Penney. Faced with financial constraints, she and the judge reluctantly agreed on a repayment plan of $50 per month, which still felt unmanageable for Smoot.
When she failed to make a payment within the designated timeframe, the court clerk informed her that she could no longer continue with the plan. Instead, she faced a choice: pay $533 outright or serve time in jail, earning $25 a day toward her fine. At this point, a warrant for her arrest had already been issued.
In light of her dire predicament, and after encouragement from friends, Smoot turned to crowdfunding. She created a campaign on GoFundMe, articulating her plight with a heartfelt message: “I’m a single mom and have a job I have to be at, not getting any help. Please, anything will help. Thank you and God bless.”
Traditionally associated with fundraising for various personal projects or medical expenses, crowdfunding has increasingly been used as a means to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. Requests for assistance with bail, legal fees, and monetary penalties are becoming common on these platforms.
Individuals seeking support share their stories online, leveraging social media to connect with potential donors. Many have seen varying degrees of success, as they appeal to both acquaintances and strangers in hopes of raising necessary funds. However, this trend has sparked discussions about the ethics of soliciting donations from the public, especially from those facing legal issues.
Liz Gerber, a design professor at Northwestern University who explores crowdfunding dynamics, points out that while the act of fundraising is not new, the online landscape has completely transformed how and when people can reach out for financial help.
Surprisingly, some crowdfunding efforts have gained significant traction. For instance, Shawn Johnson, a 27-year-old Army veteran, was able to gather $2,000 within a week to cover a DUI fine. He was touched by the support he received, noting contributions from acquaintances, including a DJ who surprised him with a $150 donation. “Just knowing people want to help is amazing,” he expressed on his fundraising page.
Certain campaigns have even gone viral, capturing widespread attention. An Indiegogo initiative launched for Bree Newsome, who famously removed the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House, raised an extraordinary $125,705 for her bail and legal defense. Similarly, a campaign organized by attorney Benjamin Crump garnered $316,194 for the family of Michael Brown, who was fatally shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, just weeks after his death.
As the intersection of crowdfunding and the justice system evolves, it raises important questions about society’s role in supporting individuals in need, especially when it comes to legal matters.