Eagle set to debate judge’s discretionary fines practice

EAGLE — When someone runs afoul of the municipal rules in Eagle, chances are that indiscretion will end up helping out a needy kid or senior citizen in the community.

That’s the way things have worked since Eagle Municipal Judge Buck Allen took over the bench in 1999 and that’s the way the Eagle Town Board wants things to continue. However, members are a bit concerned that maybe town government needs to tweak its municipal code to make sure Allen has written rules to support his actions.

The issue was presented to the board last month when municipal court clerk Erin Ivie noted that there is currently $665.04 in the fine fund.

“We need to get to the foundation of how did it (the fine money and the fine practice) get there,”said Eagle Police Chief Joe Staufer. Staufer suggested that town staff should codify Allen’s fines practice.

Allen said he wouldn’t object to Eagle proceeding with an ordinance. However, he also noted that as municipal judge he has the authority to levy the fines without town action and that’s exactly what he does in the other courts he oversees including Vail, Avon and Breckenridge.

Allen noted many years ago, he approached the then-town board to see if members would support a fine program. Members agreed with the idea.

“I have been operating under that approval since,” he said. “It really doesn’t generate that much money and the money it does generate goes to needy kids. I tell people it’s not for the judge’s lunch fund.”

Small fines add up

Allen has a long-standing practice of adding small community fines — usually in the $3 to $10 range — when defendants plead guilty or are found guilty in municipal court. Depending on the crime involved, Colorado Revised Statute determines punishment and Allen,like any other judge, has the authority to determine the amount of a fine or term of a jail sentence within the parameters of the law. Then he adds the small community restitution fine to the total amount due.

Where does the money go?

Where does the money go? Initially it is held in a specific fund. When the holiday season comes around, Allen contacts local schools to find out if there are any children who regularly arrive for the day without a warm jacket. School personnel report back and Allen then allocates money to the various buildings so a kid who needs a winter coat receives one as a Christmas present.

Likewise, Allen uses community contacts to find out if there are any senior citizens who are experiencing difficulty making ends meet. If individuals are identified, then they are awarded a grocery store gift card courtesy of the municipal court.

“Most people, when I say their fine includes $10 for needy kids, they ask if they can pay $25. I tell them yes, but the fine is just $10,” said Allen

Protecting the practice

While town board members generally agreed there was a need to formalize Allen’s practice, they also applauded his program.

“I really like the idea of making a charitable contribution in recognition of their wrongdoing,” said Eagle Town Board member Andy Jessen.

“I hate surcharges and I hate fees, but allocation of a portion of a fine is a great way to solve this issue,” offered Town Board member Matt Solomon.

“Charitable contributions are very much a part of my heart,” said Staufer. He said by codifying the practice, Eagle could make sure it can continue.

As for his part, Judge Allen said he was a bit surprised to hear about Eagle’s concerns, but said he would be happy to personally talk over the issue with the town board.