Tsunami relief donations replace court fines

A US judge is offering traffic violators a choice: pay a fine or make a $100 (€75) donation to a tsunami relief charity.

Chattanooga Judge Russell Bean began the offer yesterday and plans to continue it for at least two weeks.

“If they make this $100 donation to one of these programmes like Red Cross or Save the Children, I will give them amnesty,” Judge Bean said. “I don’t want to force this on them, but I thought this would be a good way for people to make a difference.”

Miranda Cagle, who went before the judge on charges of running a red light, was delighted by the offer.

“Any time you get a chance to take a mistake and turn it into something good, it is a blessing,” she said.

Defendants involved in accidents or charged with reckless driving are not eligible. And young drivers may still have to attend a driving course.

Some officials say Judge Bean’s gesture, though admirable, may not be legal.

“There is nothing in the city code that would authorise that,” said Mike McMahan of the city attorney’s office.

The Tennessee Constitution limits city court fines to 50 dollars, although court costs and other charges can increase the amount.