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Why court fines are given

As the majority of cases heard by courts are for low level offences - like speeding - fines are the most common criminal sentence given.

Fines are given to punish an offender financially by limiting the amount of money they have to spend.

What offences may get a court fine

Fines are usually given for less serious offences that do not merit a community or prison sentence. Sometimes a fine is given along with a community or prison sentence.

• Being sentenced by a court - an overview

When court fines are given

Fines can be given for many offences, including:

• speeding
• minor theft
• not having a TV licence
• drunk and disorderly behaviour

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.

• Paying your court fine online

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.

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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.

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