Criminal legal system fines and fees are a routine source of revenue for many state and local governments. These legal financial obligations encompass both penalties imposed for civil infractions, such as traffic and parking tickets, and court- or incarceration-related costs. Recent federal policies may increase pressure on states and localities to fill budget gaps and consider options for raising additional revenue. However, expanding reliance on fines and fees may deepen financial hardships among residents without meaningfully improving state and local budgets. Using data from the Urban Institute’s December 2024 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey, this research brief examines the prevalence of fines and fees and the ability of households to pay them. Nearly one in five working-age adults reported their households were charged fines or fees in 2024, with court and incarceration-related costs disproportionately affecting families with low incomes. One in four of those who were charged fines or fees reported owing money for unpaid fines and fees incurred in 2024 or before. Among adults who were charged court- or incarceration-related costs, more than half had unpaid fine or fee debts, and most had experienced problems affording food, housing, or health care. Despite these challenges, few were asked about their ability to pay fines and fees or offered reductions, waivers, or community service alternatives to making payments. These findings suggest revenue gains from increased assessment and collection of fines or fees may be limited. And potential efforts to increase court and incarceration-related costs, in particular, would worsen household debts and material hardships.