Common Fines and Court Costs

Your total fine amount is comprised of the following components:

-Court Costs are mandated by state law and are payable to the State.

-Fines and Fees are established by the presiding judge in accordance with state law and are payable to the Municipal Court.

Fines

The amount of the fine the court assesses is determined only by the facts and circumstances of the case. Mitigating circumstances may lower the fine, even if you are guilty. On the other hand, aggravating circumstances may increase the fine. The maximum fine for most municipal court traffic violations is $200; for State Penal Code violations--$500; for certain city ordinance violations--$2000; and for other city ordinance violations--$500.

Court Costs & Fees

In addition to a fine, other court costs mandated by state law will be charged. The costs differ depending on the offense. You need to check with the court for the amount that will be assessed to the violation for which you are charged. If you go to trial and police officers who are on overtime are called in to testify, the court must add this cost of overtime (usually about $100.00) as court costs.

Court costs are assessed if you are found guilty at trial, if you plead nolo contendere, if your case is deferred for a driving safety course.