Staunton City Sheriff Matt Robertson has requested he be allowed to double the courthouse security fee from $10 to $20. He has provided no detail as to why this increase is being requested or how the money will be spent. Your voice is needed TONIGHT.

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This is just one of the many fees and fines that defendants in criminal and traffic cases have to pay when convicted. There are no hearings before fees are assessed to determine the impact and ability of a defendant to pay. 2/7

These fines don't just impact the defendant, but their families as well. Its one of many costs & fines & may result in the defendant being locked up again for non-payment. 3/7

In addition the defendant may lose a job, health insurance, be evicted, unable to pay child support, car payments, insurance, etc. 4/7

The request comes just in time for Vice Mayor Mark Robertson's first official City Council meeting on July 9. 5/7

Please email city council TONIGHT to urge them to require transparency from the sherriff about why he feels the need to double this court fee during a pandemic. Also, ask that Vice Mayor Robertson recuse himself from voting. 6/7

You can reach all of city council by emailing [email protected]. Please email tonight! Thanks to City Council member Brenda Mead for the heads up on this important issue.

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