I had a DUI some years ago and was convicted last year at the Kirkland, WA court. Yes, I know stupid thing. Court ordered $2, 525 in fines and penalties. As I am on a limited excess income with kids and mortgage, I was unable to pay everything up front. Kirkland, WA contracts with AllianceOne to make payment plans. I started off fine but December came around and I did not get a paycheck. I was unable to make the December payment to AllianceOne. In January, I did get a paycheck and sent them $500 (5x my normal payment after one missed payment). I get a letter shortly after from AllianceOne saying that I have $1, 130.96 in new Interest and Late Fees! No phone call or letter from them indicating this might happen. I was just a few days over 1 month late on the payment. The late fees and interest are 50% of the total amount owed to them.

Is it just me or does it seem like a conflict of interest having a company that does collections also handle payment arrangements for the courts? I also received a letter around the same time as the Late Fee/Interest notification that my license was going to be suspended because this item had been placed in collections. So if I do not pay their exorbitant fees, I will loose my drivers license. These guys really have me bent over.

I do not know if there is any recourse for the Fees/Penalties. I am writing to the Kirkland court to see what they can do to remove from collections but do not have too much hope.

I could understand $30 to as much as maybe $100 in late fees for this. But $1, 130.96? Really? This is just wrong...