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Collection of Fines, Costs and Restitution
The 13th Judicial Circuit adopted new policies on
collection of fines, costs and restitution in criminal cases in 2003.
Under the new policies, most criminal defendants are
expected to pay costs, fines, restitution and criminal victim compensation
judgments immediately after sentencing.
Those who ask for an extension of time to pay will be
referred to Court Services for a review of their situation. If a
time-payment plan is recommended by Court Services, it must be approved by
the sentencing judge. Indigent defendants can be given community service in
lieu of payment.
For offenders allowed to pay over time, the policies
specify targets of 50% payment within 48 hours, 80% within 30 days, and 100%
within 60 days.
Legislation adopted in 2003 provides for an additional $25
surcharge due from defendants whose payment plan extends beyond 30 days. The
legislation adopted also provides for interception of income tax refunds to
pay costs, fines and other court-ordered amounts.
Under the policies, the court continued its practice of
not accepting personal checks. Payments must be made by cash, money order or
cashier's check.
Three documents relating to the policies can be downloaded
in PDF format from the links below:
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