Ability to Pay

Keyword search across all of the laws in the states. Subject-area tabs above allow you to narrow results. Click the advanced search for further refinement.

Every law can be saved to the Reform Builder  

See all ability to pay policy recommendations in CJPP’s Policy Guide

Below are the ability to pay laws that meet your search criteria. Many include a See related provisions prompt which searches our database for laws that may pertain to your result.

163 Results

Export results to Excel

State Statute Description/Statute Name Statutory language Level of offense Definition of ability to pay Timeline Burden of proof Method of determination Mandatory Remedies if unable to pay
BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Connecticut Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-56i(g) Pretrial drug education and community service program.
No person may be excluded from any such program for inability to pay such fee or cost, provided (1) such person files with the court an affidavit of indigency or
+ See more
inability to pay, (2) such indigency or inability to pay is confirmed by the Court Support Services Division, and (3) the court enters a finding thereof. The court may waive all or any portion of such fee depending on such person’s ability to pay. If the court finds that a person is indigent or unable to pay for a substance abuse treatment program, the costs of such program shall be paid from the pretrial account established under section 54-56k.
All

indigency

Before imposition of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Not provided for Yes

costs of such program shall be paid from the pretrial account

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Florida Fla. Stat. §775.0844(8) White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act
A person convicted of an aggravated white collar crime under this section is liable for all court costs and shall pay restitution to each victim of the crime, regardless of
+ See more
whether the victim is named in the information or indictment. As used in this subsection, “victim” means a person directly and proximately harmed as a result of the commission of the offense for which restitution may be ordered, including any person directly harmed by the defendant’s criminal conduct in the course of the commission of the aggravated white collar crime. The court shall hold a hearing to determine the identity of qualifying victims and shall order the defendant to pay restitution based on his or her ability to pay, in accordance with this section and s. 775.089.
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge after hearing Yes

Not specified

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Kansas Kan. Stat. Ann. ? 60-2001(b) Docket fee; authorized only by legislative enactment; poverty affidavit, court review; additional costs; certain sheriff's charges prohibited
(b)?Poverty affidavit in lieu of docket fee. (1) Effect. In any case where a plaintiff by reason of poverty is unable to pay a docket fee, and an affidavit so
+ See more
stating is filed, no fee will be required. An inmate in the custody of the secretary of corrections may file a poverty affidavit only if the inmate attaches a statement disclosing the average account balance, or the total deposits, whichever is less, in the inmate's trust fund for each month in: (A) The six-month period preceding the filing of the action; or (B) the current period of incarceration, whichever is shorter. Such statement shall be certified by the secretary. On receipt of the affidavit and attached statement, the court shall determine the initial fee to be assessed for filing the action and in no event shall the court require an inmate to pay less than $3. The secretary of corrections is hereby authorized to disburse money from the inmate's account to pay the costs as determined by the court. If the inmate has a zero balance in such inmate's account, the secretary shall debit such account in the amount of $3 per filing fee as established by the court until money is credited to the account to pay such docket fee. Any initial filing fees assessed pursuant to this subsection shall not prevent the court, pursuant to subsection (d), from taxing that individual for the remainder of the amount required under subsection (a) or this subsection.(2)?Form of affidavit. The affidavit provided for in this subsection shall set forth a factual basis upon which the plaintiff alleges by reason of poverty an inability to pay a docket fee, including, but not limited to, the source and amount of the plaintiff's weekly income. Such affidavit shall be signed and sworn to by the plaintiff under oath, before one who has authority to administer the oath, under penalty of perjury, Kan. Stat. Ann. ? 2015 Supp. 21-5903, and amendments thereto. The form of the affidavit shall be deemed sufficient if in substantial compliance with the form set forth by the judicial council. (3)?Court review; grounds for dismissal; service of process. The court shall review any petition authorized for filing under this subsection. Upon such review, if the court finds that the plaintiff's allegation of poverty is untrue, the court shall direct the plaintiff to pay the docket fee or dismiss the petition without prejudice. Notwithstanding Kan. Stat. Ann. ? 60-301, and amendments thereto, service of process shall not issue unless the court grants leave following its review.
All Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

lower f ee

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Kansas Kan. Stat. Ann. ? 21-6604(d) Authorized dispositions; crimes committed on or after July 1, 1993
(d) In addition to any of the above, the court shall order the defendant to reimburse the county general fund for all or a part of the expenditures by the
+ See more
county to provide counsel and other defense services to the defendant. Any such reimbursement to the county shall be paid only after any order for restitution has been paid in full. In determining the amount and method of payment of such sum, the court shall take account of the financial resources of the defendant and the nature of the burden that payment of such sum will impose. A defendant who has been required to pay such sum and who is not willfully in default in the payment thereof may at any time petition the court which sentenced the defendant to waive payment of such sum or any unpaid portion thereof. If it appears to the satisfaction of the court that payment of the amount due will impose manifest hardship on the defendant or the defendant's immediate family, the court may waive payment of all or part of the amount due or modify the method of payment.
All

payment of the amount due will impose manifest hardship on the defendant or the defendant's immediate family

At defendant's request before imposition of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing Yes

the court may waive payment of all or part of the amount due or modify the method of payment

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-206(5) Partner or Family Member Assault -- Penalty
In addition to any sentence imposed under subsections (3) and (4), after determining the financial resources and future ability of the offender to pay restitution as provided for in 46-18-242,
+ See more
the court shall require the offender, if able, to pay the victim's reasonable actual medical, housing, wage loss, and counseling costs.
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

No payment of fee

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-206(6) Partner or Family Member Assault -- Penalty
In addition to the requirements of subsection (5), if financially able, the offender must be ordered to pay for the costs of the offender's probation, if probation is ordered by
+ See more
the court.
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

No payment of fee

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-503(5) Sexual intercourse without consent
In addition to any sentence imposed under subsection (2) or (3), after determining the financial resources and future ability of the offender to pay restitution as required by 46-18-242, the
+ See more
court shall require the offender, if able, to pay the victim's reasonable medical and counseling costs that result from the offense. The amount, method, and time of payment must be determined in the same manner as provided for in 46-18-244.
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

Lower restitution amounts or alternative forms of restitution may be available

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-507(6) Incest
In addition to any sentence imposed under subsection (3), (4), or (5), after determining the financial resources and future ability of the offender to pay restitution as required by 46-18-242,
+ See more
the court shall require the offender, if able, to pay the victim's reasonable costs of counseling that result from the offense. The amount, method, and time of payment must be determined in the same manner as provided for in 46-18-244.
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

Lower restitution amounts or alternative forms of restitution may be available

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-621(3) Nonsupport
If a defense to the charge of nonsupport is inability to pay, the person's inability must be the result of circumstances over which the person had no control. In determining
+ See more
ability to pay, after an allowance for the person's minimal subsistence needs, the support of a spouse, child, or other dependent has priority over any other obligations of the person.
Misdemeanor, Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing Yes

This is a defense in a nonpayment case

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-621(13) Nonsupport
The court may order that a term of imprisonment imposed under this section be served in another facility made available by the county and approved by the sentencing court. The
+ See more
offender, if financially able, shall bear the expense of the imprisonment.
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

No payment of fee

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-627(4) Ritual abuse of minor--exceptions--penalty
In addition to any sentence imposed under subsection (3), after determining pursuant to 46-18-242 the financial resources and future ability of the offender to pay restitution, the court shall require
+ See more
the offender, if able, to pay the victim's reasonable costs of counseling that result from the offense. The amount, method, and time of payment must be determined in the same manner as provided for in 46-18-244.
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

Lower restitution amounts or alternative forms of restitution may be available

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-6-101(2) Criminal Mischief
A person convicted of criminal mischief must be ordered to make restitution in an amount and manner to be set by the court. The court shall determine the manner and
+ See more
amount of restitution after full consideration of the convicted person's ability to pay the restitution. Upon good cause shown by the convicted person, the court may modify any previous order specifying the amount and manner of restitution. Full payment of the amount of restitution ordered must be made prior to the release of state jurisdiction over the person convicted.
Misdemeanor Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing Yes

Determine amount of restitution accordingly.

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 45-9-102(5)(c)(ii) Criminal possession of dangerous drugs
The court shall, as conditions of probation pursuant to subsection (5)(a), order: (ii) payment of the costs of imprisonment, probation, and any methamphetamine treatment by the person if the person
+ See more
is financially able to pay those costs
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

Waive or reduce fee

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 46-1-1112(2) Funding [of drug treatment courts]
A drug offender shall pay the total cost or a reasonable portion of the cost to participate. The cost paid by a drug offender may not exceed $300 a month.
+ See more
The costs assessed must be compensatory and not punitive in nature and must take into account the drug offender's ability to pay. Upon a showing of indigency, the drug treatment court may reduce or waive costs under this subsection (2).
Misdemeanor

Indigency

Before imposition of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing Yes

Waive or reduce fee

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 46-1-1212(2) Funding [of mental health treatment courts]
A participant shall pay the total cost or a reasonable portion of the cost to participate. The cost paid by a participant may not exceed $300 a month. The costs
+ See more
assessed must be compensatory and not punitive in nature and must take into account the participant's ability to pay. Upon a showing of indigency, the mental health treatment court may reduce or waive costs under this subsection.
Misdemeanor

Indigency

Before imposition of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing Yes

Waive or reduce fee

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 46-8-113 Payment by defendant for assigned counsel--costs to be filed with court
(3) In any proceeding for the determination of whether a defendant is or will be able to pay the costs of counsel, the court shall question the defendant as to
+ See more
the defendant's ability to pay those costs and shall inform the defendant that purposely false or misleading statements by the defendant may result in criminal charges against the defendant. (4) The court may not sentence a defendant to pay the costs for assigned counsel unless the defendant is or will be able to pay the costs imposed by subsection (1). The court may find that the defendant is able to pay only a portion of the costs assessed. In determining the amount and method of payment of costs, the court shall take into account the financial resources of the defendant and the nature of the burden that payment of costs will impose. (5) A defendant who has been sentenced to pay costs may at any time petition the court that sentenced the defendant for remission of the payment of costs or of any unpaid portion of the costs. If it appears to the satisfaction of the court that payment of the amount due will impose manifest hardship on the defendant or the defendant's immediate family, the court may remit all or part of the amount due in costs or modify the method of payment.
Misdemeanor Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge after hearing Yes

Waive or reduce fee

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Montana Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-236(2) Imposition of charge upon conviction or forfeiture--administration
If a convicting court determines under 46-18-231 and 46-18-232 that the person is not able to pay the fine and costs or that the person is unable to pay within
+ See more
a reasonable time, the court shall waive payment of the charge imposed by this section.
All

As determined under Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-231 and Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-232

Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

Waive surcharge

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

New York N.Y. Penal Law § 80.00 Fine for felony
When imposing a fine pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph, the court shall consider the profit gained by defendant's conduct, whether the amount of the fine is disproportionate to
+ See more
the conduct in which defendant engaged, its impact on any victims, and defendant's economic circumstances, including the defendant's ability to pay, the effect of the fine upon his or her immediate family or any other persons to whom the defendant owes an obligation of support.
Felony Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes

Not specified

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Oklahoma Okla. Stat. tit. 10A, § 1-4-701A Reimbursements and costs by parents able to pay Upon notice to the parent or other person legally obligated to support the child and upon an opportunity to be heard and a finding of financial ability to pay All Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge after hearing Yes

None specified

BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-101(b)(2) Assault - Domestic Abuse
if the relationship between the defendant and the victim of the assault is such that the victim is a domestic abuse victim as defined in § 36-3-601, and if, as
+ See more
determined by the court, the defendant possesses the ability to pay a fine in an amount not in excess of two hundred dollars ($200), then the court shall impose a fine at the level of the defendant's ability to pay, but not in excess of two hundred dollars ($200).
Misdemeanor

No definition of ability to pay is provided. However, in imposing fines, courts must consider the defendant's ability to pay, prior criminal history, potential for rehabilitation, financial means, and other

+ See more
mitigating and enhancing factors.

Before imposition of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing Yes

Imposition of a lower fee