Ora Lee Hurley was imprisoned in Atlanta for failure to pay a $ 705 fine. She was permitted to work during the day and return to her detention center at night. She worked five days a week at a restaurant for $ 6.80 an hour. After taxes, she netted about $ 700 a month. She was charged $ 600 a month for room and board at the detention center. Her monthly transportation costs were $ 52. Her other personal expenses depleted anything she had left. Despite her full time employment, she could not repay the fine for which she was serving time and remained incarcerated.

See More: Please go to Chapter Four in “THE JUSTICE IMPERATIVE”