ATLANTA (AP) — DeKalb County has agreed to policy changes that aim to protect the rights of people who can't afford to make fine and fee payments required for traffic violations and other misdemeanor offenses.

The policy changes are part of a settlement agreement reached after the American Civil Liberties Union sued the county in January on behalf of Kevin Thompson, who was jailed after he was unable to pay more than $800 in fines and fees stemming from a traffic ticket within 30 days of sentencing.

The settlement includes measures to provide additional training and guidance for judges and court personnel who handle such cases and to more clearly inform probationers of their rights.

The settlement also provides for $60,000 to be paid to Thompson and $10,000 to his lawyers.