May 22, 2013
Houston County District Attorney Doug Valeska said it's time for convicted criminals to start paying back their debts to society.
Right now, 1,800 people in Houston and Henry counties owe the state court system $4.8 million.
About 20 percent of that would reimburse the state for paying court appointed attorneys. The rest would cover court costs, fines and restitution for victims.
Valeska said some individuals owe the state more than $175,000. People who don't pay could face prison time.
He said he will ask local legislators to pass new laws making it easier to put people back behind bars.
Houston and Henry counties have the second highest caseload in Alabama behind Mobile.
