Facing criminal or traffic charges in Minnesota can be stressful and confusing. Beyond the penalties like jail or probation, many people are surprised by the court fines, fees, and surcharges they must pay after a conviction.
These costs can quickly add up, affecting your finances long after your case ends. Understanding what these charges include, when they apply, and how they’re calculated can help you prepare and protect your rights.
At Martine Law, we guide clients through every stage of a criminal case, from the charges to the financial aftermath. Our attorneys handle cases involving DWIs, assault, misdemeanors, and other serious offenses. We make sure you understand what to expect, both in and outside of court.
Book a free consultation call now with our experienced Minnesota criminal cases lawyers.
What Are Court Fines, Fees, and Surcharges?
When you’re convicted of a crime or traffic offense in Minnesota, you may face several types of financial penalties:
- Fines – These are monetary punishments set by statute for specific offenses.
- Fees – Administrative charges imposed by the court for handling your case.
- Surcharges – Mandatory additional costs that go toward state funds, even if your fine is small.
According to the Minnesota Judicial Branch, surcharges apply in nearly all criminal and traffic cases, including petty misdemeanors and felonies.
For example:
- A traffic violation may include a base fine of $100 plus a surcharge of around $75.
- A misdemeanor assault conviction may include higher fines and mandatory assessments.
Even if your fine is reduced, the surcharge usually cannot be waived unless the court finds special circumstances.
How Do Surcharges Work Legally in Minnesota?
Under Minnesota Statute §357.021, a standard state surcharge is added to most criminal and traffic fines. This includes offenses under:
- Chapter 169A for DWIs
- Chapter 609 for criminal statutes
- Chapter 171 for driving violations
These surcharges support crime victim services, public safety programs, and court administration. The law requires courts to add these costs automatically at sentencing.
For instance, if you’re convicted of a DWI, you might owe:
- $500 to $1,000 in fines
- A $75 criminal surcharge
- Court fees
- Possible probation or reinstatement costs
A Minnesota DWI attorney can review your case to ensure these charges are fair and accurate.
Common Fines and Fees in Criminal and Traffic Cases
Fines and surcharges vary depending on the type and severity of the charge:
Traffic and DWI Offenses
- Speeding: $100–$300 fine plus surcharge
- DWI First Offense: $500–$1,000 fine plus surcharge
- Driving after revocation: $200–$500 fine plus surcharge
Misdemeanors and Felonies
- Misdemeanor theft or assault: Up to $1,000 fine plus $75 surcharge
- Felony conviction: Up to $10,000 fine plus a $75–$85 surcharge
Additional Fees You Might Encounter
- Court administrative fees
- Booking or jail fees
- Restitution payments to victims
- Probation supervision fees
- Public defender co-pays, if you request one
These costs can become a financial burden. That’s why it’s important to work with a lawyer who can help minimize penalties and negotiate manageable payment options.
If you are facing criminal charges, contact Martine Law’s Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys for guidance on your case and costs.
What Happens If You Can’t Pay Your Court Fines or Surcharges?
Minnesota courts expect you to pay fines and surcharges on time, but the law recognizes that not everyone can afford them. If you fail to pay, the court may:
- Send your debt to collections
- Suspend your driver’s license
- Issue a warrant for nonpayment
- Add additional fees or late penalties
However, you have rights and options. You can:
- Request a payment plan through the court
- Ask for a fine reduction due to hardship
- Perform community service in some cases instead of payment
If you are unsure how to handle court payments, a Minnesota misdemeanor lawyer can help you file the correct motions or petitions.
Can a Lawyer Help Reduce Court Fines and Surcharges?
Yes. While surcharges are generally mandatory, an experienced attorney can sometimes help reduce overall financial impact. They can:
- Negotiate plea deals with lower fines
- Advocate for hardship consideration
- Request community service in place of payment
- Identify wrongful or excessive charges
In DWI or theft cases, a criminal defense attorney can also ensure the court applies surcharges correctly and doesn’t charge you for unrelated offenses.
At Martine Law, our attorneys carefully review every fine, fee, and surcharge to protect you from unfair costs.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Court Notice About Unpaid Fines?
If you receive a letter or call about unpaid fines, don’t ignore it. Contact the court immediately. Failure to act can lead to license suspension or a bench warrant.
You can also speak with a Minnesota defense lawyer to explore your legal options. In many cases, our team can help you request a new hearing or payment plan to avoid penalties.
You can learn more about payment procedures and fine structures at mncourts.gov.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, contact Martine Law or call us directly at tel:(612) 979-1305. We can guide you through the next steps.
Key Takeaways
- Court fines, fees, and surcharges in Minnesota apply to nearly all criminal and traffic cases.
- Surcharges are mandatory under Minnesota Statute §357.021 and fund state programs.
- The total cost can include fines, restitution, probation fees, and administrative costs.
- Nonpayment can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension or a warrant.
- You have the right to request a payment plan or hardship adjustment.
- A qualified defense lawyer can help reduce penalties and protect your financial stability.
If you’re facing fines or surcharges after a conviction, you don’t have to handle it alone. The attorneys at Martine Law understand Minnesota’s complex legal and financial systems. We’ll help you navigate payment issues and protect your future.
Call Martine Law today at tel:(612) 979-1305 to discuss your case and find the best way forward.
The actual number: $75, under Minn. Stat. 357.021, subd. 6
Most explanations of Minnesota court surcharges talk around the figure. Here it is. Minnesota Statutes section 357.021, subdivision 6 requires the court to impose, and the court administrator to collect, a $75 surcharge on every person convicted of any felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor offense, with a small number of exceptions.
| Offense | Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Any felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor | $75 |
| Vehicle parking violation | $12 |
| Violation of Minn. Stat. 609.855, subd. 1, 3, or 3a | $25 |
| Petty misdemeanor where no fine is imposed | No surcharge |
The part that surprises people: a stayed sentence does not stay the surcharge
This is the single most common misunderstanding, and the statute is explicit about it. The surcharge “shall be imposed whether or not the person is sentenced to imprisonment or the sentence is stayed.”
So a stay of imposition, a stay of execution, probation instead of jail, or a sentence that involves no incarceration at all does not remove the $75. It is not a punishment that scales with the sentence. It attaches to the conviction itself. People who negotiate a favorable disposition are frequently caught off guard when the surcharge appears anyway, and it is worth understanding going in rather than being surprised at the counter.
The surcharge is not the fine, and it is not the only cost
The surcharge sits on top of any fine the court imposes. It is a separate line item, set by statute rather than by the judge, and it is not the amount that varies with the seriousness of the offense. The fine does that. Reading a total on a citation or a judgment without separating these makes it very hard to tell what is actually negotiable, because the fine often is and the statutory surcharge is not.
Frequently asked questions about Minnesota court surcharges
How much is the surcharge on a criminal charge in Minnesota?
$75 for any felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor conviction, under Minn. Stat. 357.021, subd. 6. Parking violations carry $12, and violations of Minn. Stat. 609.855, subd. 1, 3, or 3a carry $25.
Do I still pay the surcharge if my sentence is stayed?
Yes. The statute states the surcharge is imposed whether or not the person is sentenced to imprisonment or the sentence is stayed. Probation, a stay of imposition, and a stay of execution all still carry it.
Is the surcharge the same as the fine in Minnesota?
No. The fine is set by the court and varies with the offense. The surcharge is a fixed amount set by statute and is added on top of the fine.
Is there any conviction with no surcharge in Minnesota?
Yes. The surcharge is not imposed when a person is convicted of a petty misdemeanor for which no fine is imposed.
Does a traffic ticket carry the Minnesota surcharge?
A traffic offense that results in a conviction of a petty misdemeanor or above carries the surcharge unless it is a petty misdemeanor with no fine imposed. Parking violations are the separate $12 category.
Can the surcharge be waived or reduced in Minnesota?
The amount is set by statute rather than by judicial discretion, so it is not negotiated the way a fine can be. What is genuinely negotiable is the disposition itself, and whether you end up with a conviction that triggers the surcharge at all.
Facing a criminal or traffic charge in Minnesota? Call Martine Law at (612) 441-4417 for a free consultation, 24/7.
