Understanding the Landscape of Fines, Restitution, and Fees for Criminal Convictions

For misdemeanor offenses, the maximum fine is $1,000 and for gross misdemeanor offenses, the maximum fine is $3,000.4 For felony offenses, the Minnesota Legislature sets high maximum fine amounts for each criminal offense, and this is one of the ways that the legislature indicates the seriousness of the offense. [...] If the person needs time to pay the debt, the court may set up a payment plan.55 If the person fails to pay the debt by the due date, the court may refer the outstanding balance to a public or private agency for collection.56 If the person has set up a payment plan but fails to pay an installment when due, the entire remaining amount becomes due and may be referred for collection.57 The person has. [...] Revenue Recapture means that the debt is logged with the Minnesota Department of Revenue, and if the person owing the debt has a tax refund, the amount owed to the courts will be deducted from the tax refund before the refund is paid to the person.61 In addition to the collections process described above, there are several other mechanisms in the law to encour- age payment of fines, restitution, a. [...] Understanding the Landscape of Fines, Restitution, and Fees 12 for Criminal Convictions in Minnesota Changes to Fines and Fees Over Time Making the Criminal and Traffic Surcharge Waivable (2021) The criminal and traffic surcharge was originally enacted in 1998.82 At the time, the surcharge was $25, and the law expressly provided that the surcharge was not waivable, though the court could authorize. [...] In 2002, the Minnesota Legislature clearly and unequivocally established a flat $28 fee that could be waived by the court.88 In 2003, the law was amended to tie the amount of the fee to the offense level of the crime.89 For example, a misdemeanor required a $50 public defender fee, a gross misdemeanor required $100, and a felony required $200.