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.

33 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

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

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-102(e)(2) Aggravated Assault - Domestic Abuse
In addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for a violation of this section, if the relationship between the defendant and the victim of the assault is such
+ See more
that the victim is a domestic abuse victim as defined in § 36-3-601, and if, as 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).
All

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

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-111(c)(5) Domestic Assault - Additional Fee
In addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for a violation of this section, if, as determined by the court, the defendant possesses the ability to pay a
+ See more
fine in an amount not in excess of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225), then the court shall impose a fine at the level of the defendant's ability to pay, but not in excess of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225).
All

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

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-709(e) Sex Offender Conviction Tax
The court may waive all or any portion of the tax required by this section if the court finds that a person convicted of a sex offense is indigent or
+ See more
financially unable to pay.
All

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.

Not provided for Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing No

Reduction or waiver of the fee

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-428(d) Fines and Penalties; Mandatory Minimums; Allocation
(1) Unless the judge, using the applicable criteria set out in § 40-14-202(c), determines that a person convicted of violating this section is indigent, or that payment of the minimum
+ See more
fine would result in a severe economic hardship, or such fine would otherwise not be in the interests of justice, the minimum fines imposed by this section shall be mandatory and shall not be reduced, suspended, waived or otherwise released by the court. No plea agreement shall be accepted by a court if the agreement attempts to reduce or suspend all or any portion of the mandatory fines imposed by this section unless the judge determines that one (1) of the conditions set out in the first sentence of this subdivision (d)(1) exists.(2) If the judge of a court of general sessions determines that it is necessary to reduce, suspend, waive or otherwise release the minimum fines imposed by this section, the judge shall assess the fine, and write on the warrant the amount of the fine, the fact that it is reduced, suspended, waived or released and the reasons for the reduction, suspension, waiver or release. If done by the judge of a court of record, the judge shall assess the fine and make a specific finding of fact on the record relative to the reduction, suspension, waiver or release and the reasons for the reduction, suspension, waiver or release.
All

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.

Not provided for Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing Yes

Reduction or waiver of the fee

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-305(b) Sexual Offender Fee
The department may waive all or any portion of the fees required by this section if it determines that an offender is indigent or financially unable to pay all or
+ See more
any portion of the fee. The department shall waive only that portion of the surcharge which the offender is financially unable to pay.
All

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.

Not provided for Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing No

Reduction or waiver of the fee

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-2-128(5) Prisoners who may apply for release -- Procedure.
(5)(A) The judge shall, at the time of sentencing, cause the sentencing order to reflect the defendant's cost of incarceration and treatment and shall affix to the order, taking into
+ See more
consideration the defendant's ability to pay, the time and manner in which the costs are to be paid. The court shall enter the necessary orders requiring that the costs of incarceration and treatment be paid or secured, including, but not limited to, orders of probation that include, as a condition thereof, the payment of costs covered by this subdivision (c)(5).(B) When a defendant alleges inability to pay pursuant to the terms set out by the order, the defendant may petition the court for modification as to the terms of payment. When it is determined that the defendant is unable to pay the entirety of the costs covered by this subdivision (c)(5) in the time and manner imposed by the court, any costs imposed against the defendant shall be pursuant to a schedule promulgated by the chief administrative officer of the county, or the officer's designee, with the schedule to be based upon the defendant's ability to pay the same.(C) In promulgating the schedule governing costs and the amount thereof to be paid by the defendant, the chief administrative officer of the county, or the officer's designee, shall consider the defendant's ability to pay and the disbursement schedule set forth in § 41-2-129 and shall incorporate payments ordered in this subsection (c) into the schedule.(D) In no event shall a person be denied access to this program or be denied discharge from incarceration as a result of that person's inability to pay.
All Not provided for Not provided for Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Not provided for Yes

Reduction or waiver of the fee

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-21-401(m) Fees for particular services
(m) Indigent parties. No clerk shall be permitted to collect any fee authorized by this section without permitting any person the opportunity to institute a cause of action by means
+ See more
of a pauper's oath, in accordance with Rule 29 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
All Not provided for At enforcement of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Not provided for Yes

Not specified

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-15-105(a)(2)(F) Memoranda of Understanding
(a)(2) Prosecution of the defendant shall not be suspended unless the parties in the memorandum of understanding also agree that the defendant observe one (1) or more of the following
+ See more
conditions during the period in which the prosecution is suspended: . . . (F) That the defendant pay, in addition to the payment of ten dollars ($10.00) per month required by this section, any or all additional costs of the defendant's supervision, counseling or treatment in a specified manner based upon the defendant's ability to pay;
All Not provided for Not provided for Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Not provided for Yes

Reduction or waiver of the fee

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-24-104 Nonpayment; Crimes and Offenses
(a) If the defendant fails to pay the fine as directed, or is unable to pay the fine and so represents upon application to the court, the court, after inquiring
+ See more
into and making further investigation, if any, which it may deem necessary with regard to the defendant's financial and family situation and the reasons for nonpayment of the fine, including whether the nonpayment was contumacious or was due to indigency, may enter any order that it could have entered under § 40-24-101, or may reduce the fine to an amount that the defendant is able to pay, or may direct that the defendant be imprisoned until the fine, or any portion of it, remaining unpaid or remaining undischarged after a pro rata credit for any time that may already have been served in lieu of payments, is paid. The court shall determine and specify, in the light of defendant's situation and means and of defendant's conduct with regard to the nonpayment of the fine, the period of any imprisonment in default of payment of the fine within the limits of the penalties for a Class C misdemeanor.(b) Whenever a court orders a defendant to pay a fine, imposed as a result of a traffic violation, in installment payments, the court shall revoke the defendant's privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state upon the failure of the defendant to comply with the order of the court. If the defendant's privilege to operate a motor vehicle has been revoked for the failure to comply with the court order, the privilege shall remain so revoked until the total amount of the fine imposed is paid.
All

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.

At enforcement of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing No

A reduction of a fine or any other alternative mechanism available to the court

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

+ Create New

Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-24-105(c) Stay of License Revocation
A person who is unable to pay any portion of assessed litigation taxes, court costs, and fines may apply one (1) time to the court having original jurisdiction over the
+ See more
offense for an order staying the revocation of the license issued under title 55. An order to stay the revocation of the license shall be granted if the court finds that the person would experience extreme hardship from the revocation of the license and that no other means of transportation are reasonably available to the person. Grounds for finding of extreme hardship are limited to travel necessary for:(i) Employment; or (ii) Serious illness of the person or an immediate family member. (B) The offender seeking a hardship exception shall make application to the court in the form of a sworn affidavit stating with particularity the grounds and circumstances of hardship. The court may enter a one-time stay for a period of not longer than one hundred and eighty (180) days. The court clerk shall promptly notify the commissioner of safety of the issuance or termination of any stay of revocation. The commissioner of safety shall not revoke any license under this subsection (b) while the stay is in effect. (4) A person who is unable to pay all of the assessed litigation taxes, court costs, and fines but is able to pay some of them on a monthly or weekly basis may apply to the court having original jurisdiction over the offense for an order setting up a payment plan for such taxes, costs and fines. If the person and court agree to such a weekly or monthly payment plan, the court shall so order and such order shall have the effect of staying the revocation of the license pursuant to this subsection (b). The order staying the revocation of license shall remain in effect for as long as the person is current and in compliance with the payment plan. If the person fails to make payments according to the plan for three (3) consecutive months without good cause, the court may revoke the order and notify the clerk. The court clerk shall promptly notify the commissioner of safety of the issuance or termination of any stay of revocation. The commissioner of safety shall not revoke pursuant to this subsection (b) while the stay is in effect. (5) The revocation provided in this subsection (b) is cumulative and does not limit or otherwise affect any license revocation pursuant to title 39, title 55, or any other law. (6) Nothing in this subsection (b) shall be construed to apply to any license issued pursuant to title 55, chapter 17. (c) The district attorney general or the county or municipal attorney, as applicable, may, in that person's discretion, and shall, upon order of the court, institute proceedings to collect the fine, costs and litigation taxes as a civil judgment..
All

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.

At enforcement of fine or fee Burden on defendant to show inability to pay Determined by judge after hearing No

A stay rather than immediate suspension of license

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