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Demo: Ability to Pay Language Comparison
I'm looking for model ability to pay language. -Montana's provision seems to apply before imposition. -Michigan and Colorado have a useful list of factors. -Process in Idaho streamlined. -Wisconsin has language on presumptions, e.g. receipt of means tested benefits.
Wis. Stat. § 814.29(1); Security for costs, service and fees for indigents
Statutory definition of ability to pay
In determining the persons ability under this subdivision
to pay or give security for fees and costs, the court shall
consider the persons household size, income, expenses, assets
and debts and the federal poverty guidelines under 42 USC 9902
(2).
The defendant or person seeking an order not to pay security for costs files an affidavit to the court stating briefly the nature of the cause and evidence of their indigence. The court, by judicial conference, then makes a determination of defendant's poverty
When Does It Apply
Question
Not providedBrief Answer
Not providedLanguage from the Rule
(a) The court shall not sentence a defendant to a term of incarceration, nor revoke probation, for failure to comply with an order to pay money unless the court finds, on the record, that the defendant is able to comply with the order without manifest hardship and that the defendant has not made a good faith effort to comply with the order.(b) Payment Alternatives. If the court finds that a defendant is unable to comply with an order to pay money without manifest hardship, the court may impose a payment alternative, such as a payment plan, modification of any existing payment plan, or waiver of part or all of the amount of money owed to the extent permitted by law.(c) Determining manifest hardship. The court shall consider the following criteria in determining manifest hardship: (i) Defendant’s employment status and history. (ii) Defendant’s employability and earning ability. (iii) The willfulness of the defendant’s failure to pay. (iv) Defendant’s financial resources. (v) Defendant’s basic living expenses, including but not limited to food, shelter, clothing, necessary medical expenses, or child support. (vi) Any other special circumstances that may have bearing on the defendant’s ability to pay.Idaho Code § 31-3220(1)(d);(2);(3); Inability to Pay Fees -- Definitions -- Affidavit
(1) (d) "Indigent" means a person who is not a prisoner, as defined in section 31-3220A, Idaho Code, and who is found by the court to be unable to pay fees, costs or give security for the purpose of prepayment of fees, costs or security in a civil action; (2) The court may authorize the commencement or defense of any action without prepayment of fees, costs or security, by any indigent person not a prisoner, providing: (a) The person files an affidavit that he is indigent as provided in subsection (3) of this section, and unable to pay fees, costs or give security; and (b) The court finds, after informal inquiry, that the person is indigent for the purpose of prepayment of fees, costs or security; (3) The affidavit shall contain complete information as to: (a) The person's identity; (b) The nature and amount of his income; (c) His spouse's income; (d) The real and personal property owned; (e) His cash or checking accounts; (f) His dependents; (g) His debts; (h) His monthly expenses; (i) The nature of the action; (j) The affiants belief that he is entitled to redress. The affidavit shall also contain the following statements: "I am unable to pay the court costs. I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct." The affidavit shall be sworn as required by law.
Statutory definition of ability to pay
"'Indigent' means a person who is not a prisoner, as defined in section 31-3220A, Idaho Code, and who is found by the court to be unable to pay fees, costs or give security for the purpose of prepayment of fees, costs or security in a civil action."
No prepayment of fees, costs or security required.
When Does It Apply
Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-232; Payment of costs by defendant
Statutory definition of ability to pay
Not providedWaive or reduce fee
When Does It Apply
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3.-702(4); Monetary Payments - Due Process Required
For purposes of this section, a defendant or a defendant's dependents are considered to suffer undue hardship if he, she, or they would be deprived of money needed for basic living necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing, necessary medical expenses, or child support. In determining whether a defendant is able to comply with an order to pay a monetary amount without undue hardship to the defendant or the defendant's dependents, the court shall consider: (a) Whether the defendant is experiencing homelessness; (b) The defendant's present employment, income, and expenses; (c) The defendant's outstanding debts and liabilities, both secured and unsecured; (d) Whether the defendant has qualified for and is receiving any form of public assistance, including food stamps, temporary assistance for needy families, Medicaid, or supplemental security income benefits; (e) The availability and convertibility, without undue hardship to the defendant or the defendant's dependents, of any real or personal property owned by the defendant; (f) Whether the defendant resides in public housing; (g) Whether the defendant's family income is less than two hundred percent of the federal poverty line, adjusted for family size; and (h) Any other circumstances that would impair the defendant's ability to pay.
Statutory definition of ability to pay
"The ability to comply with the court's order to pay a monetary amount due without undue hardship to the defendant or the defendant's dependents and that the defendant has not made a good-faith effort to comply with the order;" " "A defendant or a defendant's dependents are considered to suffer undue hardship if he, she, or they would be deprived of money needed for basic living necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing, necessary medical expenses, or child support."
Hearing Required.