I have a bench warrant for failure to pay court fines, but have the money to pay them now. Will I be able to just pay them and leave?
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I have a bench warrant for failure to pay court fines, but have the money to pay them now. Will I be able to just pay them and leave?
Hi, I just have a question about a legal issue. I was arrested 3 times in New Hampshire for underage drinking – they were violations. I paid the first fine of $720.00 then was issue another fine for $1200.00 for the second time and then another $600.00 for the third time. Total I owed to the courts was $1800.00. They helped me out a lot and gave me extensions and payment plans throughout the year and I had followed them until I had to leave where I was and I haven’t paid them anything in the past year and haven’t been back, mainly because now I am afraid that I have a bench warrant. I have the money to pay the rest of the fine that I owe, but am wondering if I will be arrested still because of failure to pay when it was initially due? Will I be able to go to the court clerk, pay it and leave with no problems?
Asked on June 3, 2009 under Criminal Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
M.H., Member, California Bar / M.H., Member, California Bar
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
Although it is possible a bench warrant issued, most judges would be loathe to incarcerate you for failure to pay a fine for violations. I think it would be best though if you had an attorney call the clerk's office for you and determine what the outcome will be if you attempt to pay your obligation now. Try contacting your local bar association to see if someone can assist you. In the alternative, you might be able to pay an attorney at the courthouse a small fee to check the issue for you. Good luck.
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