Utah Criminal Fine Payments
Court fines are just one of the penalties that a judge may impose
following a criminal conviction. Fines can be imposed in addition to a
jail or prison sentence in a criminal case. But fines are also commonly
included in the court's sentence as a
condition of probation. Failure to make fine payments as required can
result in an order to show cause, probation revocation, and jail or
prison time. Fine payments can be made in person at the courthouse. But
the Utah Courts also have an an online payment system that allows
individuals who owe fines in a criminal case to pay the fines online.
Paying Court Fines Online

Once
a court enters a final judgment and sentence in a criminal case, court
clerks will enter the required fine in the court's computer database.
The Utah State Courts have set up a website that includes an online
payment page, where a defendant may make online payments using a credit
card for court fines or victim restitution. A defendant must enter his
or her case number, and select the proper court. The website will then
display the defendant's name, and any balance remaining. A defendant
can pay either the full amount or make partial payments.
In
some minor cases, a court may allow a defendant to make a "
bail
forfeiture" payment in lieu of a personal appearance in court. While
paying online can save you
a trip to court, it can still result in having a criminal conviction on
your record. Most cases that are eligible for bail forfeiture
resolution will involve minor traffic offenses. But even these offense
may have significant consequences, and can affect expungement
eligibility in other cases.
A bail forfeiture is treated by the court in essentially the same way
that a guilty plea would be treated. The bail forfeiture is entered as
a conviction, and the case is closed.
Agreeing to make a bail forfeiture payment online to close a
case acts as a waiver of certain important Constitutional rights. It can
also carry significant consequences. Consultation with an experienced
criminal defense attorney is strongly encouraged before making the
decision to enter a bail forfeiture payment.
Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
If you are facing prosecution for a criminal case in Utah, it is vital
to have the assistance of an experienced
criminal lawyer. With
experience that includes criminal charges ranging from aggravated
murder to DUI, and virtually everything in between, Stephen Howard has
the
experience needed to help you with your case.
Contact us today
to arrange for a confidential initial
consultation.
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