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Minnesota court costs may include a fine, surcharge and other separately assessed amounts. The total depends on the charge, outcome and applicable orders. Ask for an itemized balance rather than relying on a generic DWI or felony price range. If you cannot pay, request information about available relief before the deadline.
What is the Minnesota criminal surcharge?
Section 357.021, subdivision 6 generally sets a $75 surcharge for criminal and petty-misdemeanor convictions. Parking violations carry $12; specified transit offenses under section 609.855 carry $25. It is imposed once per case when there are multiple convictions.
A stayed sentence does not itself remove the surcharge. A petty misdemeanor with no fine is exempt. Certain chapter 169 diversion and deferred dispositions still trigger it, while specified administrative and camera citations are excluded. Check the precise provision and disposition.
Hardship relief is available: the court may reduce or waive the surcharge for indigency or undue hardship to the person or immediate family, or allow community work service instead. Relief requires the court’s decision; do not simply stop paying.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch payment guide also identifies an additional $1 for citations issued in Ramsey County and a law-library fee. These are reasons to check the actual total rather than assume the base surcharge is the whole bill.
Separate each item on the bill
- Fine: the monetary penalty associated with the offense and sentence.
- Surcharge: the statutory assessment discussed above.
- Other obligations: restitution, supervision charges or other authorized costs may have different rules, recipients and relief procedures.
There is no single maximum fine for every felony. Do not use a sample total to predict a sentence. A Minnesota criminal defense attorney can review the charged statute, proposed disposition and itemized costs with you. See also the firm’s DWI, assault and misdemeanor information.
What if you cannot afford payment?
Contact the court using the information on the official notice. Ask about a hearing, financial-relief request or eligible payment arrangement. Describe your income, essential expenses and family obligations accurately. Keep copies of what you submit and confirm any revised due date in writing.
The court’s payment guide warns that unpaid amounts can be referred for collection, with a right to contest referral based on inability to pay. Do not ignore a collection notice or assume that an application has already changed your obligations.
Does unpaid debt automatically suspend a license or create a warrant?
No blanket rule applies to every unpaid court balance. Section 171.16, subdivision 3 prohibits driver-license suspension based solely on failure to pay covered motor-vehicle fines or surcharges. Other lawful licensing grounds can still apply.
Failing to appear and failing to pay are different issues. The Judicial Branch warns that failure to pay or appear on a citation can have consequences, including a warrant in applicable circumstances. Ask counsel to review the actual notice, hearing requirement and order rather than assuming either automatic arrest or no consequences.
Before making a payment
Verify the case number, balance, recipient and deadline through official court channels. Court payments and attorney fees are separate. If you want to contest a citation, read the court’s warning about the effect of payment first. Do not provide payment information in response to an unverified demand.
Contact Martine Law or call (612) 294-0650 to discuss your criminal case. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free. A Director of Client Engagement (non-attorney) can assist with intake and scheduling but does not give legal advice. An attorney evaluates the legal issues; no reduction or waiver can be promised.
Frequently asked questions about court payments
Can I pay a citation and dispute it afterward?
Do not treat payment as a deposit while you decide. The court warns that paying a payable citation enters a guilty plea. If you intend to contest the charge, ask about a court appearance before paying.
What should I bring when asking for financial relief?
Bring the court notice and itemized balance, income information, essential expenses, dependents and any relevant benefit or hardship documents. Ask court staff which application or hearing procedure applies.
Does every case qualify for a payment plan?
No. The Court Payment Center has eligibility conditions for payable citations. Other cases may need a different arrangement through court administration or a judicial officer. Confirm the procedure for your case.
For a free consultation about your Minnesota criminal case, call (612) 294-0650. Intake and scheduling assistance does not replace advice from an attorney.
