Court fine amounts

A court will decide on the actual amount an offender should pay based on:

· the offence

· the offender’s ability to pay, for instance if the offender is on benefits

Before being given a fine, an offender must fill in a ‘means form’. This is so the court knows the offender’s financial situation and what fine they can afford. The means form asks for details of:

· income

· outgoings

· savings

If the offence causes harm to a victim, the offender will have to make a compensation payment. They’ll also have to pay towards the cost of the court hearing.

An extra payment called a ‘victims’ surcharge’ of £15 may also be added.

How to pay a court fine

An offender who receives a fine will be given a notice telling them:

· the amount to pay

· how to pay

· the date they should pay by

Fines may be paid online or over the telephone by credit or debit card.

If a court fine can’t be paid

If someone can’t pay a fine, they should contact the court saying why they can’t pay and include proof of their financial circumstances.

If someone says they can’t pay a fine straight away, they can ask the court if they can pay in instalments. The court may or may not agree to this.

If a court fine isn't paid

If an offender has difficulties paying a fine, they should contact the court. It is important an offender keeps a court informed of any changes in their financial circumstances. They should also speak to a solicitor.

If someone doesn’t pay a fine, the court can try and get payment in other ways. These include:

· further court hearings

· clamping and possibly selling an offender’s car

· taking money from an offender’s wages or benefits

· bailiffs coming to an offender’s home to seize possessions

In extreme cases where a person continues to not pay they may receive a prison sentence.