What happens a fine if you don't pay it?

BattleCorp · 08-02-2023 2:54pm #1

Supposing a court issued Mr BattleCorp a fine, or multiple fines.

Mr. BattleCorp is a bad man and ignores them.

The Court jails Mr. BattleCorp for refusing to pay the fines.

Are the fines considered paid or does Mr. BattleCorp still owe the fines once he has served his time?

hullaballoo · 08-02-2023 3:44pm

It is a good question.

In short, prison time will replace the fine. In a lot of District Courts, the judge will specify a fine in euros and also specify a period of imprisonment in the event that the fine is not paid. Some people consciously opt to go to prison rather than pay the fine. For many people, it's a much less painful option, particularly since you're unlikely to actually spend any time in a cell.

It's not an option for most people though, because obviously a period of incarceration (however brief) can be of interest to current/prospective employers.

I'm not going to talk about imprisonment for contempt for not paying a fine, which in theory would leave the fine on the table. Can't be doing that though.

JackPlanets · 08-02-2023 4:42pm

It is considered jail-time in lieu of fines.

Standards below

Imprisonment in default

Less than €500 – 5 days

Between €500 and €1,500 – 10 days

Between €1,500 and €3,000 – 20 days

Greater than €3,000 – 30 days

BattleCorp · 08-02-2023 9:46pm

@hullaballoo Thanks for your answer.

So if the fine was in relation to Mr. BattleCorp having no TV licence he's in the clear but if the fine was for being in contempt of court, Mr. BattleCorp gets jailed for not paying the fine, gets released, the fine is still there, Mr. BattleCorp still won't pay it so he goes back to jail?

Lets assume (not far from the truth) that Mr. BattleCorp has no assets or job to have his wages garnished. What then?

Ish66 · 09-02-2023 10:14am

I owed a few hundred a few years ago and could not pay it. Eventually I had to present myself to a lovely ban garda at Mountjoy station.

We had a lovely chat whilst walking to Mountjoy Prision. I ended up doing a 5 stretch (Hours) and even got my dinner !😁 I did my time and no more fine, Just be honest and nice about it when N'ardai come knocking. It's the last thing they want to do either !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAHR1tk5xvU

Lenar3556 · 09-02-2023 10:17am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058283447/what-happens-a-fine-if-you-dont-pay-it

In a lot of cases they are never collected

Victor · 09-02-2023 6:29pm

Note that the situation is different in the UK. If you don't pay your fine, you can end up in prison, then release, and still owe the fine.

What happens a fine if you don't pay it?

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