How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
My question involves criminal law for the state of: California.
Kind of piggybacking on the thread I started about a hit-and-run charge from last year; I have another appearance coming up on March 6 for determining restitution. I'm still on the hook for $220 in court costs. I also finished my 24 hours community service last month; the court has the proof that I did it. I know I have until December of this year to pay them, but my lawyer said that if I do my service (which I have) AND paid my court costs, the court might go as far as to dismiss the charges. That being said, how do I pay the court costs? Can I pay them online, or do I have to go to the court (a two-hour drive from my house) to do it? Thanks!
Re: Restitution and Court Costs
Re: Restitution and Court Costs
If restitution to the victim hasn't even been determined yet, there's no chance the court will dismiss the case at the next hearing. Once the restitution amount is determined AND paid in full, then you have shot but not before.
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
You should be able to pay your court costs and assessments directly to the criminal court clerk.
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
I called my attorney's office, and they said I could either pay in person or mail the court a check.
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
You should verify the court's policy on the acceptance of personal checks.
If you mail a check, make sure you keep a copy for your records, note your name and case number on the check, include correspondence adequate to instruct the clerk to apply it to the account for your specific case and case number, mail it to the correct office of the court, and check after a few days (and subsequently as necessary) to verify that the check cleared. If you pay by money order, do not lose your receipt from the money order.
If you pay in person, you can get a receipt for your payment at the time you make the payment. Keep your receipt somewhere safe.
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
Can someone pay court costs on your behalf?
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
Can they walk into court, identify a case to the clerk, and make a payment on that case? Sure. But make sure they give you the receipt.
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
Can they also write a check on your behalf, stating who it's for, case no., etc?
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
Quote:
Quoting
ijcaff97
Can they also write a check on your behalf, stating who it's for, case no., etc?
If you're asking if Mr. Knowitall can go to the court clerk, take a check that has Mr. Knowitall on it and pay XXX to that court clerk, yes he can.
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
So my family is writing me a check for the court costs and will have me send it. Does it have to be in my name or can it be in someone else's?
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
The check needs to be made out to the court. If you intend to pay your fines with a third party check, have the third party come along with ID or verify in advance that the court will accept the check.
Re: How to Pay Restitution and Court Costs
I mailed the check out back on the 5th, and it went through a week later. I have another hearing on the 11th (of next month) for a progress report.