Legislation aims to cut court fees that keep some Oklahomans trapped in ‘debtor’s prison’

  • John Standfill works on his computer at the OSU-OKC Social Innovation Center where he helps teach job skills to people recovering from incarceration, past substance use and homelessness. ASHLYND HUFFMAN/The Frontier
    John Standfill works on his computer at the OSU-OKC Social Innovation Center where he helps teach job skills to people recovering from incarceration, past substance use and homelessness. ASHLYND HUFFMAN/The Frontier
  • Legislation aims to cut court fees that keep some Oklahomans trapped in ‘debtor’s prison’
    Legislation aims to cut court fees that keep some Oklahomans trapped in ‘debtor’s prison’

    After spending 17 years living in a prison cell, John Standfill looked forward to having his own place after his 2022 release. He said he’s overcome drug addiction and is now going to college and working.

    But Standfill still lives in transitional housing at City Care. He said he can’t afford a place of his own because of the high cost of living and the thousands in court fees and fines he still owe…