Below are the attorney general opinions that meet your search criteria.

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State Citation Description/Statute Name Question Brief answer Language from the opinion When does the case apply?
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Ohio 1990 Ohio Op. Atty. Gen. No. 90-088 (Nov. 14 1990) Fines and fees Does allowing different municipalities to set their own indigency standards or fines/fees violate the equal protection afforded by the state’s constitution? Indigency should be determined on a case-by-case basis, not through set standards
A gleaning of the aforementioned authorities clearly reveals that there are no set criteria for determining whether an individual is indigent. Rather, the preferred approach is to determine indigency on
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a case by case basis so as to accord attention to any and all factors tending to indicate an individual's financial condition. . . . [T]he the criteria for determining . . . whether an individual is indigent, include the ready availability of real or personal property owned; employment benefits; pensions; annuities; social security; unemployment compensation; inheritances; number and age of dependents; outstanding debts, obligations and liabilities; and any other relevant considerations concerning the financial condition of an individual.
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Ohio no fines and fees Which fines and/or fees may be collected by a private vendor?
Neither the courts nor the State AG has considered this question. However, the Ohio Revised Code provides that both misdemeanor fines, § 2928.18(F) and felony fines, § 2928.28(G)(1), may be
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collected by private vendors
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Ohio no ability to pay Who has the burden of proof in an ability to pay determination? What is the standard of proof required? See Case Law: Liming v. Damos, 979 N.E.2d 297 (Ohio 2012) Fines and fees
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Ohio no Ohio-Attorney General opinion Should ability to pay be considered when imposing fines or fees or only when collecting fines or fees? See Case Law: State v. Meyer, 706 N.E.2d 378, 380 (1997); Ohio Rev. Code § 2947.14 ability to pay Fines and fees
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Ohio 2012 Ohio Op. Att'y Gen. No. 2012-039 (Nov. 14, 2012) fines and fees What authority do county or municipal courts have to set fines or fees? County courts can use their fining power to fund various projects, programs, and services of the court
Although a county court has authority to use a special projects fund established under R.C. 1907.24(B)(1) to finance community service programs, nothing in the Ohio Constitution, Revised Code, Ohio Rules
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of Criminal Procedure, or Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio directs the manner in which a county court may use moneys in a special projects fund to provide such financing. This means that the judges of a county court have the discretion and implied power to use special projects fund moneys in whatever manner is reasonably necessary to make community service programs available to persons who are convicted of, or plead guilty to, a misdemeanor.
Fines and fees
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Ohio no Fines and fees What authority does the state supreme court have to impose binding state-wide rules on the imposition or collection of fees and fines?
This has not been considered by courts or the State AG. But the Ohio Supreme Court issues "bench cards" guiding the lower courts on how to implement fines. See, e.g.,
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The Supreme Court of Ohio, Office of Judicial Services, Collection of Fines and Court Costs (2014)
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Ohio no no Under what circumstances does a conflict of interest in the imposition or enforcement of court debt violate state law? This has not been considered to date
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Wyoming 1980 Wyo. Att'y Gen. Op. No. 80-09 (May 29, 1980) Opinion No. 80-09 (1980) What authority do county or municipal courts have to set fines or fees?
A municipality may adopt an ordinance providing for a lesser penalty than that provided for by the statutory code, which provides for mandatory jail sentence of one day for any
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person convicted of driving or being in control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, etc.
There are cases which hold that municipalities may not enact their own penalties; and cases which hold to the contrary. The differences between the cases appear to turn on a
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combination of factors. In arriving at these diverse results, courts have recognized the following distinctions: felonies or misdemeanors; the presence or absence of home rule; the presence or absence of express municipal authority; and the presence or absence of clear and express language indicating state preemption. For the reasons hereafter stated, we conclude that municipalities may enact their own penalties for the crime of DWUI. Although some may believe the result anomalous, we find merit in the argument that had the legislature intended to impose mandatory jail sentences on our cities and towns, it would have done so by simple, clear, and express language. Municipalities have express powers to govern themselves and to regulate local affairs. Municipalities have been granted express power to regulate the use of streets by the legislature. Clear and express limitation of the power to regulate the use of streets does not appear in the statutes; nor has the legislature clearly and expressly indicated its desire to gain exclusive jurisdiction over DWUI in W.S. 31-5-233 (1977) or in Senate Enrolled Act No. 32. The provision of a lesser penalty in a municipal ordinance does [*12] not create conflict with a state law on the same subject, provided the crimes are of a similar class. Therefore, municipalities may regulate DWUI by passing ordinances with lesser penalties than provided by Senate Enrolled Act No. 32.
Fines and fees
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Wyoming 1985 Wyo. Att'y Gen. Op. No. 85-001 (April 19, 1985) 1985 Op. Atty Gen. Wyo. 1 Other applicable opinions The county sheriff or county may proceed against a person that is physically incarcerated for all medical bills when the person is incarcerated, regardless of the source of the injury.
In conclusion, then, the county sheriff is responsible for all medical bills incurred in the treatment of those persons who are in his custody, whether or not such persons have
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ever been physically incarcerated in the county jail and regardless of the source of the injury. The county commissioners must reimburse him for these costs. A person's indigency has no bearing upon the initial determination of responsibility. If the person is not indigent the sheriff or county may proceed against him in a suit for reimbursement. [*12] If the person is in fact indigent, the sheriff or county has no recourse for recovery against either the county hospital or the state welfare system.
Fines and fees
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Wyoming 1987 Wyo. Att'y Gen. Op. No. 87-006 (May 28, 1987) 1987 Op. Atty Gen. Wyo. 19 The clerk of court shall collect and disburse restitution payments.
DISCUSSION I Who should accept and disburse restitution payments from defendants? Section 7-13-312, W.S. 1977, (1986 Cum. Supp.), states in part, "Restitution payments shall be made to the office of the clerk
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unless otherwise ordered by the court." The Wyoming Supreme Court has stated that when the word 'shall' is employed, it is usually legally accepted as mandatory, Mau v. Stoner, 14 Wyo., 183, 83 P. 218, 219 (1905). In construing statutes, "Unless the context otherwise indicates, the use of the word 'shall' (except in its future tense) indicates a mandatory intent". 1A Sutherland Statutory Construction, § 25.04 [*2] p. 301 (4th Ed. Sands); Ginnavan v. Silverstone, 246 Md. 500, 229 A.2d 124, 127." Mayland v. State, Wyo., 568 P.2d 897, 899 (1977). Clearly, the legislature, by the word 'shall', intended the clerk of court to collect and disburse restitution payments. Upon an order of restitution by the sentencing court, it becomes mandatory for the office of the clerk to administer the restitution. "The clerk of each of the courts shall exercise the powers conferred and perform the duties enjoined upon him by statute and by the common law; and in the performance of his duties he shall be under the direction of his court." Section 5-7-101, W.S. 1977. Although the statute does not specifically provide for disbursement, where the legislature provided for the clerk to collect restitution it can be inferred that the legislature also intended the clerk to disburse restitution. Section 14-6-229(f)(i), W.S. 1977, allows a juvenile court to order a child to make restitution for any damage or loss caused by his wrongful act. Title 14 of the Wyoming Statutes does not specifically state a procedure for collecting and disbursing restitution payments from juveniles. However, Wyoming courts have [*3] held that statutes dealing with related subjects or having the same general purpose must be read in pari material in order to ascertain intelligent meaning and achieve uniformity. Kuntz v. Kinne, Wyo., 395 P.2d 286 (1964); Stringer v. Board of County Commissioners of Big Horn County, Who., 347 P.2d 197 (1960). Therefore, Section 14-6-229(f)(i), W.S. 1977, and Section 7-13-312, W.S. 1977, must be read in pari materia as to methods of collecting and disbursing restitution payments from both juvenile and criminal defendants.
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Wyoming 1987 Wyo. Att'y Gen. Op. No. 87-006 (May 28, 1987) 1987 Op. Atty Gen. Wyo. 19 After incarceration the board of parole has exclusive jurisdiction to administer the restitution imposed at sentencing by the court.
After incarceration the board of parole has exclusive jurisdiction to administer the restitution imposed at sentencing by the court. Section 7-13-424, W.S. 1977, provides the board of parole with
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a comprehensive scheme of parole restitution: the board shall provide for restitution on parole, may modify restitution imposed by the sentencing court, modify restitution imposed by the board or waive it entirely. Under § 7-13-413, W.S. 1977, the board is given the power to adopt rules and regulations governing the performance of duties of parole officers and the administration of the act. Thus it is reasonable that the probation and parole board could take on the responsibility of collecting and disbursing restitution if so ordered by the court.
Enforcement
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Wyoming 1987 Wyo. Att'y Gen. Op. No. 87-006 (May 28, 1987) 1987 Op. Atty Gen. Wyo. 19 Wyoming Crime Victims Compensation Commission, created through the Crime Victims Compensation Act, can collect restitution and authorize and order compensation payments be paid directly to a victim or third party.
Sections 1-40-101 through 1-40-119, W.S. 1977, (1986 Cum. Supp.) created the Crime Victims Compensation Act. (Laws 1985, ch. 213, § 1). Under this Act, restitution paid by a criminal defendant
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pursuant to §§ 7-13-307, through 7-13-315, W.S. 1977, goes directly to the Wyoming Crime Victims Compensation Commission after the Commission awards compensation to the victim. Such restitution is deposited in the Commission's account and used to set off against a judgment in favor of the state in a civil action. Section 1-40-112(c)(i), W.S. 1977, (1986 Cum. Supp.). [*7] The Commission reduces the amount of the compensation due the victim by the amount of restitution paid. Section 1-40-122(c)(ii). If restitution has been ordered, but not paid, the victim may be compensated by the Commission and shall reimburse the Commission when and if the defendant pays. Section 1-40-112, W.S. 1977 (1986 Cum. Supp.) was amended by the 1987 general session of the 49th Wyoming Legislature. A new subsection (g), effective May 22, 1987, states any payment of benefits to, or on behalf of a victim or other claimant under the Crime Victims Compensation Act creates a debt due the state by any person found by a criminal court to have committed a criminal act. Payment of the debt shall be a condition of probation, Laws 1987, ch. 119, § 1-40-112(g). In making payment of the debt a condition of probation or parole, the court or board of parole sets the schedule or amount of payments. The Commission has the authority to authorize compensation payments directly to the victim or to a third party. Section 1-40-108(d)(iii), W.S. 1977, (1986 Cum. Supp.). Similarly, the court could order direct payments to victims under the Restitution to Crime Victims Act, Sections 7-13-307 through 7-13-315, W.S. 1977. The victim's remedies for non-payment would be reporting the failure to the prosecuting attorney, the court or the probation and parole officer if applicable.
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Illinois Two opinions stating that there a prisoner must only reimburse the county for expenses incurred due to their incarceration if they have the ability to pay . Illinois-Attorney General opinion Who has the burden of proof in an ability to pay determination? What is the standard of proof required? 1996 WL 67870 (Ill.A.G.);1981 WL 37190 (Ill.A.G.)
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Illinois
1997 Ill. Atty. Gen. Op. 027 (Ill.A.G.), 1997 WL 824988; 1984 Ill. Atty. Gen. Op. 72 (Ill.A.G.), 1984 WL 60051; 1992 WL 469747 (Ill.A.G.); 1985 Ill. Atty. Gen. Op. 126
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(Ill.A.G.), 1985 WL 68980
Illinois-Attorney General opinion What authority do county or municipal courts have to set fines or fees? Fines and fees
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Illinois 1992 WL 469752 (Ill.A.G.); 1985 Ill. Atty. Gen. Op. 166 (Ill.A.G.), 1985 WL 68990; 1978 Ill. Atty. Gen. Op. 175 (Ill.A.G.), 1978 WL 17642 Illinois-Attorney General opinion What authority does the state supreme court have to impose binding state-wide rules on the imposition or collection of fees and fines? Revenue flow
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Wisconsin 1995 WL 264119 (Wis.A.G.) Forfeitures What authority does the state supreme court have to impose binding state-wide rules on the imposition or collection of fees and fines? Unclear with regard to fines and fees, but uniformity regarding the recovery of forfeitures.
Section 799.01 provides in part: (b) Forfeitures. Actions to recover forfeitures except as a different procedure is prescribed in chs. 23, 66, 345 and 778, or elsewhere, and such different procedures
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shall apply equally to the state, a county or a municipality regardless of any limitation contained therein.
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