In Blair County, Pennsylvania everyone is given an equal shot at justice under the law. That is unless, of course, one cannot pay the bill.

Cricket R.A. Hughes learned this the hard way on Tuesday when she was unable to enroll in the Blair County's Intermediate Punishment Program (IPP). Focused on drivers who have been convicted of DUI offenses, the county's IPP would have allowed Hughes to spend only 20 days in the county prison and the remaining 70 days at her home.

However, since the 61-year-old does not have $1,000 to spare, she will be serving 90 days in the Blair County Prison instead.

Said Judge Daniel Milliron, "I hate economic justice."

It seems pretty clear where such financially-motivated forms of justice fall short in providing equal opportunities to those accused or convicted of a crime. Fortunately, that could be changing.

The Blair County Office of Adult Parole and Probation Director, Thomas Shea, seems fairly certain that instances of economic justice will be phased out, eventually. For now, the $1,000 fee goes to pay third party vendors who provide electronic monitoring for those participating in the IPP.

These devices include the popular Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM), which Lindsey Lohan recently ran into trouble with.

Any change, however, will be too late for Hughes, who will likely have served her 90-day prison sentence by the time any changes are made to the legal system.

Related Resource