Connor Sullivan
Southern New Hampshire University
MAT-133 22EW3
Professor Ohayia
January 27, 2022
Introduction
Focus
The study that I will be researching for my final project is "The Financial Cost of a
Criminal Conviction: Context and Consequences" This study focuses on the growth of legal
financial obligations such as fees, fines, and restitution resultant from conviction, and explores
how it affects post-conviction experiences.
Population
The sample of the study consisted of 131 offenders convicted of a felony, The studies
demographic's included 55% of participants were sex offenders and 45% who were convicted of
other personal (17.5%), property (14.5%), and drug (13.0%) offenses. Most offenders (74.8%)
were under parole supervision, 8.4% were on probation and 16.8% were incarcerated at the time
of the interview.
Research Questions
The researchers did suggest hypotheses to their research questions within the article,
these research questions are significant because they help shape the main idea behind the
research done within this study. The research questions within the study are.
"Research Question 1: What is the scope and totality of LFOs for a sample of
ex-offenders in a Midwest state?
Research Question 2: How do LFOs impact structural, social, and emotional
experiences post-conviction?
The provided research questions also lay the groundwork for what type of data the
research study will be collecting, the proposed questions aim to develop a further understanding
of the financial impact, emotional impact, and social impact LFOs have on offenders' post-
conviction. The questions focus on specific aspects of how LFOs impact ex-offenders and more
specifically the different ways it can impact a person and their experiences rather than just
focusing on the monetary impact of LFOs.
Analysis
Research Methods
The researchers tested their hypothesis by specifically looking at the state of Missouri for
their study site because they felt it was appropriate for this type of research as it routinely applies
both sentencing and post-conviction costs. The researchers collected data by interviewing
persons who had scheduled report days or time in their prison schedule, but who fit the sample
criteria of having experienced a recent release from prison or conviction and remained under
correctional supervision. The data for this research study came from in-depth interviews with
male offenders conducted over 8 months during 2011 and 2012. Data collection primarily
occurred at probation and parole offices (Four locations were used), and included one
community program center, one state-run transitional housing facility, and one prison. Most of
the assessment of LFOs is dependent on self-reporting during the interviews, such as child
support arrearage and post-conviction costs. The amount of sentencing costs, such as court costs,
indigent defense fees, and restitution, are recorded in publicly available court records