Paying Fees for Criminal Cases in Arizona
If you have been charged with a crime, you could be facing more than time behind bars—you might also have to pay an extraordinary amount in fees. Like many other states, Arizona imposes fees for almost every facet of a criminal trial. There are fees for everything from being held in custody after arrest to standing before a judge but winning your case can help you avoid paying most of them.
Do You Have to Pay for Fees in Arizona?
If you are convicted of a crime, ignoring the fees can lead to major problems later on. While there is a statute of limitations for criminal cases, there are no exceptions on paying fines and fees. Things like late payments or non-payments can accrue extra fees or even jail time. While many fees can be avoided by winning your case, it is still important to keep track of your fees and make sure you are paying them.
Fees, Fines, and Restitution Are All Paid Separately
Fees are payments made to the court that cover the cost of operating the justice system. Court fees can be charged regardless of whether you win or lose your case. Fees come in many shapes and sizes in Arizona. Examples include:
- Fees for time spent in jail before trial
- Sentencing fees
- Processing and administration fees
- Reimbursement for the public defender and prosecution
- Monitoring devices
- Drug and alcohol screenings
- Community service applications
- Room and board fees for prison or jail time
- Prison-dedicated funds
Fines are payments made to the city, county, or state as punishment for breaking a law. The amount of a fine depends on the crime committed and on the judge’s sentence. They can vary greatly, as fines are meant to act as a deterrent to repeating the crime.
Restitutions are payments made to a victim of a crime, as sentenced by a judge after the defendant has been found guilty. The amount of restitution depends on the crime and on the injuries suffered by the victim.
For example, if someone is convicted of arson, they might be held responsible for:
- The medical bills of anyone who was hurt in the fire
- The cost of rebuilding the home
- The victim’s lost wages for time missed due to dealing with the fire
Who Pays for Criminal Case Fees in Arizona?
Several people might be paying for a criminal case in Arizona.
Prosecution
The prosecution is responsible for many of the costs associated with their cases upfront. This can look like fees for filing a criminal case, fees for supplying the court with documentation, and sending out summonses to appear in court.
Courts
The courts are responsible for paying the fees of the running of the court during the trial. This involves paying the personnel in the court (e.g. stenographer, and the bailiff), and other types of expenses.
Defendant
The defendant pays for responding to the case (in criminal cases this is often pleading guilty or non-guilty), for their defense, and the time they spent in custody.
However, If a defendant loses their case, the judge will most often require the defendant to pay for all the fees that the prosecution and the court have incurred during the trial. This means losing your case can cost you more than your freedom.
A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You Avoid Fees in Arizona
Winning your case in court is the best way to avoid paying hefty fines and fees. Here at Van Norman Law Firm, we can help you beat your charges. With over 25 years of experience in criminal defense, our legal team understands the importance of preparing a strong defense. Contact us today for a consultation on your case, and learn how we can help you win.
Images used under creative commons licence – commercial use (4/30/24). Photo by rupixen on Unsplash.