Instant Fines
If you agree that you've broken the law and can afford to pay the fine
If you've recieved an instant fine and don't think you deserved it
If you are willing to pay the fine but can't afford to
If you don't pay the fine or make arrangements to pay it
Court fines
If you want to pay the fine straight away
If you can't afford to pay the fine

Helpful Contacts


Instant Fines

"Instant fines" are given by the police or parking wardens and include speeding tickets, under-age drinking, parking tickets, or fines for not having a current registration warrant for your car. These kinds of tickets are also called "infringement notices". They do not result in a criminal conviction.

Court fines

If you have been taken to court for a criminal offence or traffic infringement and plead guilty or are found guilty the Judge will punish you. The punishment could include a fine.

If you are in the Youth Court a Youth Advocate will be representing you. If you are appearing in the District Court you should get advice from the duty solicitor or your lawyer. If they think the judge is going to give you a fine make sure you tell them about your financial situation before you're sentenced. If you are not represented and feel nervous, hand in a note or letter to the Judge giving details of your income and expenses.

If you're unemployed or you're still at school or only have a part time job they should take this into account when deciding how much you'll have to pay. Make sure your representative and/or the judge is told about your expenses (how much you pay for rent, food and transport and any other payments - court fines, child support, hire purchase etc) as well as your income.

Within a few days of appearing in Court you should receive a letter that will state the amount of money that you owe. It can include Court costs and reparation (this is payment towards damage you’ve caused or goods you've stolen).

The letter will also contain a 'final payment date". This is the date by which you must pay the fine or make arrangements with the Court’s Collections Office to pay it.

It is important to remember that you have a right to appeal against the Court's decision or the amount of any fine you have received. You must do this within 28 days.

Instructions on how to do this are contained in the letter you will receive from the court. If you need help contact your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau or Community Law Centre or YouthLaw.