What to do if I am doing the first time offender program but can’t afford to pay the fine?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do if I am doing the first time offender program but can’t afford to pay the fine?
I was with someone who stole groceries. I had to do 75 hours of community service and pay a $430 fine. I completed my community service hours but do not have the money for the fine. I am poor, unemployed because of this pending charge, and I have a young daughter to provide for. Whats going to happen at my court date if I did the hours but can’t pay the fine? Also, will this dismissed charge show up on future background checks? I work in healthcare and have had job offers taken back because of the pending charge, I’m worried with even an expunged I won’t be able to work in healthcare.
Asked on May 12, 2014 under Criminal Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
I suggest that when you appear at the court date as written that you explain to the judge that you do not have the funds to pay and ask for a payment plan on a monthly basis that you can afford. Most judges that I know of will grant your request.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.