I am due in court soon, was just wondering I'm expecting a huge fine due to my offences. What options do I have if i cant afford it? am I allowed to pay monthly/weekly?

any advice and experinces shared are much appreciated.

 

How much are you expecting? I paid my fine cash at some counter in the courthouse IIRC. Was only 100 quid plus 35 cost, so was cash. I assume they can take cheques, bankers drafts etc.

 

you have to pay it straight away? no other options

 

I paid mine straight away, but I think you have a certain time to pay up ( like within 7 days for example). If it's going to be massive and you may not be able to afford it then I'd advise seeking some professional advice, ie your brief and citizens advice bureau etc

I was asked to fill in a form detailing my income and outgoings, so they had some idea of what disposable income I had, they guaged the fine according to this. Mine was only for a motoring conviction (100 mph on the motorway)

 

if you are unemployed they will allow you to pay weekly,

my mate lost his job then got banned 3 weeks later they said he could pay 5 pound a week, though stuff that im not that poor lol.

But i think they do let u do that with minimal interest rates

 

i got done for motoring offences and just paid it on my debit card straight away. Mine wasn't very much though. I was under the impression if you can't afford to pay it straight away they would set up a payment plan!! i got offered that even for mine which did make me chuckle!!

 

you can pay monthly if you want i know this coz of my brother

 

The court will impose a 'collection order' on your sentance if its a fine, that will be payable within 14 days, this means that if you can pay it within the time then do so, if however you are unable to pay , you can make an offer to pay a set amount every week or month, you arrange this with the Fines Officer dealing with your case.

 

When i was * cough* done *cough* it was a civil case, so dealt with by the magistrates.

I had to repay £1500 , but filled out an expenses sheet, and offered to pay weekly, (prepared statement), they let me repay it at £10 per week, payed monthly.

took 3 years though.


Mart

 

Offer to pay it monthly at whatever you can afford. They are NOT supposed to take spouse's earnings into that equation, btw.

Ask for a payment card so you can pay it at any Post Office, Spar etc etc.

Alcazar

 

What have you done???

 

Hi,
got fined recently for a motoring offence and you can fill in the form that comes with the hearing results - it asks income and expenditure etc and how much you can pay.

They always accept so you should be ok

Jai

 

got court fees and fines of £850 this was a year a go and stil paying now £10 week.got about 500 quid to go i didnt have the money at the time so ended up having the payment card,

but it does pi$$ you off when you have to go all the way to the post office just for a tenner but i refuse to paying all up front as they rob you blind,

gets me how they charge you court fees (£45 each offence) when they order you to go in the first place

see how it goes mate. it might not be as bad as you think,

 

I've only been to court once and after finding me guilty and fining me £850 the magistrate said "you have a choice of ways to pay the fine . . ." at which I pulled out my wallet (still standing in the dock) and said "it's ok I've got it here, do you want cash or cheque?". The whole court sniggered at me and the magistrate said "erm no, you need to pay at the clerks office upstairs after we dismiss you" in a rather sarcastic and condescending tone.

Well how was I to know, it's not like I'm a regular there or anything.

You can pay up front or they can do it in installments, I paid up front as I just wanted it over and done with.

 

The judge asked me how much I could afford to pay monthly.

I paid mine over 3 months.