Financial Hardship and Ability to Pay Your Fine

Financial Hardship and Ability to Pay Your Fine

If you cannot pay the full amount of a fine for an infraction offense (including most traffic tickets), you may ask the Court to reduce the amount you owe based on your ability to pay. You must show proof that you do not have the financial means to pay your fine. You may also ask the Court if you can perform community service, establish a payment plan, or extend the time you need to comply with a court order. You may ask the court to consider your ability to pay at any point in the process, but you must enter a plea of guilty or no contest before the Court can give you an answer.

Your ability-to-pay may be determined by a clerk of the court. Any determination made by a clerk shall be based on the following criteria:

• Defendants receiving public benefits or whose income is below 250% of the federal poverty line will receive a 65% reduction and a $25 monthly payment plan

Please note if you have a misdemeanor violation, you cannot use our online services and you should contact the Court at (209) 992-5692.

If you do not have access to or are unable to use the online tool, you may submit the forms below to provide information which you believe should be considered in connection with your request. Forms need to be filed with the Clerk's Office at:

• TR-320/CR-320 — Can't Afford to Pay Fine: Traffic and Other Infractions (PDF), opens PDF document

Please note the Court may add an additional fee of $100 to cases where the fine is delinquent. Court users will receive a couple of notifications before the additional fee is added so they may take action to avoid the imposition of the additional fee. Court users are advised to take immediate action when they receive a notice to avoid additional fees.