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.

25 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

Rhode Island R.I. Gen. Laws. Ann. § 12-20-10(b) Remission of costs -- Prohibition against remitting restitution to victims of crime -- Ability to pay -- Indigency

(b)  For purposes of §§ 12-18.1-3(d), 12-21-20, 12-25-28(b), 21-28-4.01(c)(3)(iv) and 21-28-4.17.1, the following conditions shall be prima facie evidence of the defendant's indigency and limited ability to pay:

(1)  Qualification for and/or receipt of any of the following benefits

+ See more
or services by the defendant: (i)  temporary assistance to needy families (ii)  social security including supplemental security income and state supplemental payments program; (iii)  public assistance (iv)  disability insurance; or (v)  food stamps

(2)  Despite the defendant's good faith efforts to pay, outstanding court orders for payment in the amount of one-hundred dollars ($ 100) or more for any of the following: (i)  restitution payments to the victims of crime; (ii)  child support payments; or (iii)  payments for any counseling required as a condition of the sentence imposed including, but not limited to, substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence.

All

Indigency; Qualification for and/or receipt of temporary assistance to needy families, social security including supplemental security income and state supplemental payments program, public assistance, disability insurance; or food stamps; outstanding court orders for

+ See more
payment in the amount of one-hundred dollars ($ 100) or more for restitution payments to the victims of crime, child support payments; or payments for any counseling required as a condition of the sentence imposed including, but not limited to, substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence.

Not provided for Not provided for Not provided for Yes

N/A

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

+ Create New

Rhode Island R.I. Gen. Laws. Ann. § 12-21-20 Order to pay costs and determination of ability to pay

(a) If, upon any complaint or prosecution before any court, the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine, enter into a recognizance or suffer any penalty or forfeiture, he or

+ See more
she shall also be ordered to pay all costs of prosecution, unless directed otherwise by law.

(b) In superior court, the judge shall make a preliminary assessment of the defendant's ability to pay immediately after sentencing by use of the procedures specified in this section.

(c) In district court, the judge shall make a preliminary assessment of the defendant's ability to pay immediately after sentencing or nearly thereafter as practicable by use of the procedures specified in this section.

(d) The defendant's ability to pay and payment schedule shall be determined by use of standardized procedures including a financial assessment instrument. The financial assessment instrument shall be: (1) based upon sound and generally accepted accounting principles; (2) completed based on a personal interview of the defendant and includes any and all relevant information relating to the defendant's present ability to pay including, but not limited to, the information contained in § 12-20-10; and (3) made by the defendant under oath.

(e) The financial instrument may, from time to time and after hearing, be modified by the court.

(f) When persons come before the court for failure to pay fines, fees, assessments and other costs of prosecution, or court ordered restitution, and their ability to pay and payment schedule has not been previously determined, the judge, the clerk of the court, or their designee shall make these determinations by use of the procedures specified in this section.

(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the court's ability, after hearing in open court, to revise findings about a person's ability to pay and payment schedule made by the clerk of the court or designee, based upon the receipt of newly available, relevant, or other information.

All

Not provided for

Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing No

N/A

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

+ Create New

Rhode Island R.I. Gen. Laws. Ann. § 12-19-32 Restitution

In addition to or in lieu of any non-mandatory sanction imposed as part of a sentence or as a condition of probation, a judge at the time of sentencing may

+ See more
order restitution which may be in the form of monetary payment or some type of community restitution. Provided, that any person sentenced to a period of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions shall be ineligible to participate in those programs established pursuant to chapter 8 of title 13, sections 42-56-20.2, 42-56-20.3 or 42-56-21, unless and until the restitution has been paid in full, or satisfactory arrangements have been made with the court if the person has the ability to pay. 

All

Not provided for

Not provided for Not provided for Not provided for No

Able to participate in programs without satisfying restitution payments.

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

+ Create New

Utah Utah R. Crim. P. 15 Expert Witnesses
Upon showing that a defendant is financially unable to pay the fees of an expert whose services are necessary for adequate defense, the witness fee shall be paid as if
+ See more
he were called on behalf of the prosecution.
All

unable to pay fees

Before imposition of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Not provided for No

costs covered by state

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

+ Create New

Utah Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-502  Request for testing--Mandatory testing--Liability for costs the alleged offender who is tested is responsible upon conviction for the costs of testing, unless the alleged offender is indigent.  All

indigent

Not provided for Not provided for Not provided for Yes

costs covered by state

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

+ Create New

Utah Utah Code Ann. § 77-32a-3 Ability to pay
The court shall not include in the judgment a sentence that a defendant pay costs unless the defendant is or will be able to pay them. In determining the amount
+ See more
and method of payment of costs, the court shall take account of the financial resources of the defendant and the nature of the burden that payment of costs will impose and that restitution be the first priority
All Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for Yes Not provided for
BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Utah Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-201.1 Collection of criminal judgments--reduce fines
When a defendant defaults in the payment of a criminal judgment account receivable or any installment of that receivable, the court, on motion of the prosecution, victim, or upon its
+ See more
own motion may: (a) order the defendant to appear and show cause why the default should not be treated as contempt of court; or (b) issue a warrant of arrest... (5) If it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the default is not contempt, the court may enter an order for any of the following or any combination of the following...(f) except as limited by Subsection (6) [restitution] ... reduce or revoke the unpaid amount of the criminal judgment account receivable
All Not provided for At enforcement of fine or fee Not provided for Not provided for No

reduction or revocation of fine

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

+ Create New

Utah Utah Code Ann. § 77-32-202(2)(a) Procedure for determination of indigence--Standards
Any defendant claiming indigence who is charged with a crime the penalty of which is a class A misdemeanor or serious offense shall file with the court a fully complete
+ See more
affidavit verified by a notary or other person authorized by law to administer an oath and file a copy of that affidavit with the prosecuting entity. The affidavit shall contain the factual information required in this section and by the court. . . “Indigence” means that a person: (i) does not have sufficient income, assets, credit, or other means to provide for the payment of legal counsel and all other necessary expenses of representation without depriving that person or the family of that person of food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities; or (ii) has an income level at or below 150% of the United States poverty level as defined by the most recently revised poverty income guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services; and (iii) has not transferred or otherwise disposed of any assets since the commission of the offense with the intent of establishing eligibility for the appointment of counsel under this chapter.
All

does not have sufficient income, assets, credit or other means to provide for payment of legal counsel and all other necessary expenses without depriving that person or the family of

+ See more
that person of basic necessities OR has income level at or below 150 percent of US poverty level and has not transferred or disposed of property since the commission of the offense

Not provided for Not provided for Not provided for No

cost of attorneys fees covered

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-13-421(b),(d) Restitution as condition of parole.

(b) The board shall provide for restitution in the amount determined by the court pursuant to W.S. 7 9 103 unless the board finds the parolee is not reasonably capable

+ See more
of making the payments, in which case the board may modify the amount of restitution to be paid, taking into account the factors enumerated in W.S. 7 9 106.

(d) The board may waive the payment of some or all of the restitution as a condition of parole if it finds the payment of some or all of the restitution will work an undue hardship on the parolee or his family. Victims who have requested to receive notification pursuant to W.S. 1 40 204(f) of information authorized to be released pursuant to W.S. 1 40 204(d) shall be given notice and an opportunity to be heard prior to the board making a decision to waive some or all of the restitution under this subsection.

All

Parolee is not reasonably capable of making the payments; undue hardship on the parolee or his family

At enforcement of fine or fee Not provided for Administrative decision Yes

Modify the amount of restitution to be paid; waive all or some of restituion as condition of parole.

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-9-102 Order to pay upon conviction

In addition to any other punishment prescribed by law the court shall, upon conviction for any misdemeanor or felony, order a defendant to pay restitution to each victim as determined

+ See more
under W.S. 7 9 103 and 7 9 114 unless the court specifically finds that the defendant has no ability to pay and that no reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay.

All

Not provided for

Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

Restituion not ordered

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-6-106 Determination of need; reimbursement for services

(a) The determination of whether a person covered by W.S. 7 6 104 is a needy person shall be deferred until his first appearance in court or in a suit

+ See more
for payment or reimbursement under W.S. 7 6 108, whichever occurs earlier. Thereafter, the court shall determine, with respect to each proceeding, whether he is a needy person. For purposes of this section, an appeal, probation revocation or proceeding to correct or modify a sentence is a separate proceeding. The determination of need shall be based on a separate application submitted at the time of each proceeding.

(b) In determining whether a person is a needy person and in determining the extent of his inability to pay, and, in the case of an unemancipated minor, the inability to pay of his custodial parent or another person who has a legal obligation of support, the court shall consider the standards set forth in Rule 44(d), Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure. Release on bail does not necessarily prevent a person from being determined to be needy. In each case the person, subject to the penalties for perjury, shall certify in writing, or by other record, the material factors relating to his ability to pay as the court prescribes.

(c) In every case in which a person has received services under W.S. 7 6 104, the presiding judge shall determine whether the person or, in the case of an unemancipated minor, his custodial parent or any other person who has a legal obligation of support, is able to provide any funds towards payment of part or all of the cost associated with such services. If the person or, in the case of an unemancipated minor, his custodial parent or any other person who has a legal obligation of support, is not able to provide any funds towards payment of costs, the court shall enter a specific finding on the record. If the court determines the person or, in the case of an unemancipated minor, his custodial parent or any other person who has a legal obligation of support, is able to provide any amount as reimbursement, the court shall order the person or, in the case of an unemancipated minor, his custodial parent or any other person who has a legal obligation of support, to reimburse the state for all or part of the costs of the services provided or shall state on the record the reasons why an order for reimbursement was not entered. Where a person is initially provided with counsel pursuant to W.S. 7 6 105(a), but subsequently retains private counsel, the court may order the person to reimburse the state for the services already provided. All reimbursements under this act shall be made through the clerk of court.

(d) The state public defender shall report in the agency's annual report concerning: (i) The number of cases by court in which an attorney was appointed to represent a person at public expense under this act during the preceding calendar quarter; (ii) For each case in which an attorney was appointed, whether the court ordered reimbursement under this section or, if reimbursement was not ordered, whether the court complied with subsection (c) of this section; (iii) For the guardian ad litem program, the number of cases, the amount of monies expended and the amounts of reimbursements from participating counties.

(e) If the court orders release on bail pending trial or appeal, probation before sentence, suspended sentence or probation, the court shall order the needy person as a condition of bail, sentence or probation to repay the state for expenses and services provided by appointed attorneys pursuant to the state public defender's standard fee schedule if the court determines the defendant has an ability to pay or that a reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay.

All

Wyo. R. Crim. P. 44(d): In making a determination of eligibility, the judicial officer shall consider: (1) The probable cost of representation given the number and severity of the offenses

+ See more
charged and the factual and legal complexity of the case. (2) The defendant's income from all sources and the defendant's capacity to earn income. (3) The expenses of the defendant's household and whether a spouse or roommate contributes or ought to contribute to those expenses. (4) The defendant's responsibility for the support of others. (5) The defendant's assets whether held individually or with others. (6) The defendant's debts and the periodic payments due on the debts. (7) The defendant's capacity to borrow money. Uncertainty as to a defendant's eligibility for appointed counsel should be resolved in the defendant's favor. An erroneous determination of eligibility may be corrected at any time.

Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

N/A

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-9-103(c) Determination of amount owed; execution

The court shall order the defendant to pay all or part of the restitution claimed or shall state on the record specific reasons why an order for restitution was not

+ See more
entered. If the court determines that the defendant has no ability to pay and that no reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay in the future, the court shall enter specific findings in the record supporting its determination.

All Not provided for Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes Not provided for
BS-+-Light-Rounded-Square
Add to Dashboard

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-11-402(a) Subpoena of witnesses for indigent defendants

(a) Upon application of a defendant and upon a satisfactory showing that the defendant is financially unable to pay the fees of a witness and that the presence of the

+ See more
witness is necessary to an adequate defense, the court shall order that a subpoena be issued for service on a named witness and order that all fees and costs incurred be paid as provided by subsection (b) of this section.

(b) If the court orders a subpoena to be issued under this section, the costs incurred and the fees of the witness so subpoenaed shall be paid by the public defender's office.

All Not provided for At enforcement of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing No

Fees of the witness so subpoenaed shall be paid by the public defender's office

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-11-505 Payment of costs of prosecution

Payment of the costs of prosecution may be added to and made a part of the sentence in any felony or misdemeanor case if the court determines that the defendant

+ See more
has an ability to pay or that a reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay.

All

Not provided for

Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

Payment of the costs of prosecution not added to and made a part of the sentence in any felony or misdemeanor case

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-13-109(a) Payment of jail costs by inmate

(a) In addition to any other punishment prescribed by law, the sentencing court may require a person sentenced to confinement in county jail, for any offense, to pay the jail

+ See more
facility the costs of room and board for each day of incarceration, both before and after conviction. The costs for room and board for each day of incarceration shall be an amount equal to the actual cost of the services as determined by the county sheriff. The cost of the services shall be paid to all jail facilities where the inmate may have been held before and after conviction. The costs shall not be assessed if:

(i) The court finds that the defendant has no ability to pay and that no reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay; or

(ii) In the judgment of the court, the costs would impose a manifest hardship on the inmate, or the property of the inmate is needed for the maintenance and support of the inmate's family.

All

Costs would impose a manifest hardship on the inmate, or the property of the inmate is needed for the maintenance and support of the inmate's family

Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

Costs for room and board for each day of incarceration not imposed.

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-13-1301(a)(iv) Definitions

(iv) "Qualified offender" means a person convicted of a felony whom the court finds has a need for alcohol or other drug treatment. The payment amount required of the offender

+ See more
for treatment shall be based on the ability of the offender to pay as established on a sliding fee scale pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the department of health and may, at the discretion of the court, be paid through delayed or installment payments. In determining an offender's ability to pay the court may consider present circumstances as well as reasonable future potential;

Felony

Not provided for (court may consider present circumstances as well as reasonable future potential).

Not provided for Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

Fee imposed based on sliding fee scale pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the department of health; installment payments.

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 5-6-202(b) Powers and duties of municipal judge generally; court to open every day except Sunday

(b) The municipal judge shall enforce due obedience to all orders, rules and judgments made by him. The judge has the same power as the district court in the issuance

+ See more
of warrant, search warrant, subpoena or other necessary process and may fine or imprison for contempt offered to him or to process issued by him in the same manner and to the same extent as the district court. Before any person is imprisoned for the willful refusal to pay a fine, the court shall determine whether the defendant has an ability to pay or that a reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay.

All

Not provided for

At enforcement of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

Cannot imprison  for the willful refusal to pay a fine

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 5-6-301(b) Punishment of persons convicted before judge; maximum penalty permitted; power to punish for contempt.

(b) The municipal judge shall punish for contempt in the same manner as district court. Before any person is imprisoned for the willful refusal to pay a fine, the court

+ See more
shall determine whether the defendant has an ability to pay or that a reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay.

All

Not provided for

At enforcement of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

Cannot imprison for the willful refusal to pay a fine.

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-10-105 Commitment for refusal to pay fine or costs; rate per day

A person committed to jail for willfully refusing to pay a fine or costs may be imprisoned if the court determines that the defendant has an ability to pay or

+ See more
that a reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay, until the imprisonment, at the rate of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per day, equals the amount of the fine or costs, or the amount shall be paid or secured to be paid when he is discharged.

All

Not provided for

At enforcement of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

Cannot imprison for failure to pay fine.

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

+ Create New

Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-40-119(c) Surcharge to be assessed in certain criminal cases; paid to account

Under no circumstances shall a court fail to impose the surcharge required by subsections (a) and (b) of this section if the court determines the defendant has an ability to

+ See more
pay or that a reasonable probability exists that the defendant will have an ability to pay.

All

Not provided for

Before imposition of fine or fee Not provided for Determined by judge without hearing Yes

Surcharge not imposed