The rates that are imposed for crimes in Poland were set in 1997, almost 30 years ago. At that time the minimum wage in our country was 406 PLN gross. Today it is 4,806 PLN gross, so more than ten times higher. And that’s just one change that the authorities point to, arguing the need for changes.
Higher penalties for crimes
Financial penalties for crimes, i.e. the so‑called fine, are determined by the court. The court calculates them based on so‑called daily rates, whose value is set depending on the earnings and material situation of the person receiving the fine. Courts usually impose penalties ranging from 10 to 540 daily rates. The minimum value of one rate is currently 10 PLN, and the maximum 2,000 PLN. This means that the minimum penalty can be 100 PLN, and the maximum 1.08 million PLN. This is about to change, and significantly.
The draft amendment to the law, which appeared in the list of the Government Legislative Center, includes increases of the minimum and maximum rates by 900%. This means that if the new provisions come into force, the minimum daily rate will be 100 PLN, and the maximum 20,000 PLN. This means that the minimum fine will be 1,000 PLN, and the maximum even 10.8 million PLN.
This is not a cash grab
The legislator emphasizes that the changes proposed in the draft amendment are necessary because the current rates are detached from the current financial situation of Poles, as well as the overall economic condition. As the authors of the changes point out, it is not a cash grab for citizens, but only a preventive measure. They note that rates at current levels often do not have a strong impact on criminals. When they are higher, they will act preventively, because every breach of law will be associated with a high financial penalty.
The authorities would like the changes to be prepared by the end of the year. The deputy minister of justice Arkadiusz Myrcha is responsible for their preparation. Then the draft amendment will be presented for the approval of the Council of Ministers. If it receives it, the further legislative process will begin. It will be put to a vote by parliamentarians, and then sent to the president for signature.
See also: The government will introduce a new tax in Poland? Companies can start paying it as early as August 1
