A new federal lawsuit alleges Kansas courts are unfairly extending probation sentences for low-income offenders.

The case is challenging a state law that allows judges to prolong punishment for people who can’t pay restitution, which are court-ordered fines that are paid to victims.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed the lawsuit Thursday on behalf of four people who were convicted of low-level nonviolent felony crimes in Johnson County, like forgery and theft. The lawsuit alleges all four are currently serving probation sentences that are set to expire at least eight years after their convictions.

While on probation, offenders are subjected to searches and surveillance and they are banned from voting.

ACLU of Kansas Legal Director Monica Bennett told the Kansas Ne

See Full Page