Failing to Pay Criminal Fines and Court Costs in Rogers County could  cost you your freedom. A June 2016 Daily Progress article talks about the hardships increased fines in Oklahoma are costing the residents. For example, 2015 3.9% of Oklahoma’s budget came from fines and fees in the legal system.  This was a total of over $300 million.  Further, OK-CURE director Lynn Powell addressed concerns about the inability to pay or the failing to pay criminal fines and court costs and how the increasing rates may only make imprisonment more likely for people with unpaid fees.  A divorce now costs $40 more just to file, and speeding tickets are set to increase steadily after doubling for the 2016 year.  Oklahoma Criminal Procedure establishes some laws about Failing to Pay Criminal Fines and Court Costs and how you can ask for more time paying.

Rules for Paying Fines and Court Costs

Rules for paying criminal fines and court costs are under Oklahoma’s Criminal Procedure Title 22 Ch. 18 § 8.  These are listed below:

–  Rule 8.2:  If you can pay fines, but refuse or neglect to pay then you could go to prison immediately.

–  Rule 8.4:  Extension are available to you upon request.  However, the court may reject the request for extension and immediately jail you.

–  Rule 8.5:  The court may dismiss fines and fees if you are unable to pay because of disability or poverty.  The court may also give you an extension and require you to return at a later time to re-evaluate your circumstances  and ability to pay.

–  Rule 8.6:  If you do not pay your fines and court costs and do not ask for an extension, you are subject to immediate jailing.  This also applies if you simply refuse to pay the fines.

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Struggling to pay fines and court costs can become a cycle of debt.  Don’t let you inability to pay one fine lead to other fines and potential jail time.  Our attorneys have years of experience helping people just like you.  Give us a call or visit our Claremore attorneys law blog for more information.  Our first consultation is free, so you don’t need to worry about being able to afford asking what we can do for you.