What are day fines, also known as structured fines, calculated as?

Day fines, or structured fines, are calculated based on an individual's daily income. The premise behind this system is to create a more equitable approach to fines by taking into account the offender's financial situation. By using daily income, the day fine system aims to impose penalties that are proportionate to the offender's ability to pay, thereby ensuring that a fine does not disproportionately affect those with lower incomes compared to wealthier individuals.

In this system, the court assesses how much money the offender earns in a day and sets the fine accordingly. This means that someone who earns less will have a smaller fine compared to someone with a much higher daily income, even if they both commit the same offense. This helps to maintain fairness and justice in the application of fines, allowing for the continuation of community corrections principles aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment that overwhelms individual financial capacities.

Options related to hourly, weekly, or annual income would not provide the immediate, direct impact that a daily assessment does, making them less suitable for the goal of proportionality in penalties.