I've been charged with trespassing and I'm unable to pay the total fine, is there any way to reduce the fine?

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I did not know the party was at an abandon house.

Attorney Answers

5
Anthony Miley ·
Since you have asked if there is any way you can reduce the fine, i think it is safe to assume that yo. u have already pled guilty, or you were found guilty. I am also assuming that this was a summary matter before the district magistrate in your area. If my assumptions are correct, the matter is still with the district magistrate's office. The short answer is yes, you can request a modification of fines, but in my experience, there has to be a good reason. The Rules of Criminal Procedure provide for alterations of fines when the matter is at the district magistrate level. But these alterations, as these are called, arise in the context of payment defaults. In other words, "my fine is too high; I can't afford it; if something isn't done, I am going to default [stop paying]." You don't want to get on that gerbil's wheel. It is a ride you will not enjoy. You can be arrested for failure to pay and committed to jail for a period of time. The best answer I can give you is to talk to the local magistrate and explain your financial situation. If he agrees that you are financially unable to pay the fine as set, even if he were to extend any payment schedule you are currently on, he has the ability to reduce the fine. The magistrate would rather have successful payment of a reduced fine than a default on a large one. Hope this helps.
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John Brosnan ·
Were you already convicted? Have you only been charged so far? Did you have an attorney? Much more information is needed. I suggest you start calling around for an attorney.
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Dmitry Gorin ·
Possible, but need more information. Your best option right now would be to consult with a local criminal attorney for advice and to discuss legal options.
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Kathryn Boortz ·
Hi there. If you are trying to pay the ticket in lieu of going to court, for instance, online or at the window at the courthouse, then it might be difficult to get the fine reduced. However, if you do have a court date, your attorney could speak to the prosecutor and ask for a reduction. Or, sometimes a judge will allow you to be on probation to give you time to pay the fine off, however, this is not always the best option because you will then have to pay reporting fees to probation. Good luck.
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William Ray PelgerCriminal Defense AttorneyMunhall, PA ·
I am assuming you were convicted. The only way to accomplish that is to talk to or write to the district justice or judge or his staff and request a lowered monthly payment.
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