Community Service is one option for resolving your fines when you cannot pay, but it's not realistic for everyone. Some examples of why you may be unable to complete community service include:
- having a physical or mental impairment or disability;
- being pregnant or having just given birth;
- substantial family commitments or responsibilities, including child or dependent care;
- work responsibilities and hours;
- transportation limitations; and
- homelessness or housing insecurity.
If one of the reasons above or another reason would prevent you from completing community service, explain that to the judge.
- If you are unable to complete community service, the judge can waive your fine in whole or in part, which means the amount is forgiven without you having to do anything. But judges are generally unwilling to waive fines if you are able to complete commnunity service.
- Most judges are more likely to reduce a fine rather than waive it completely. If the judge seems unwilling to completely waive what you owe, ask if the judge would be willing to reduce what you owe to an amount you could truly, realistically pay at that moment (whether that’s $10, $20, $50, etc.).
- The amount you have been ordered to pay consists of both a fine and court costs. Even if you are able to complete community service the judge may waive the court costs. Always ask for the court costs to be waived entirely if you're unable to pay, even if you are able to complete community service (or enter a payment plan) to resolve the fine.
The definition of "community service" is broad and includes a wide variety of activities.
- Think about the activities in your life that might already count as community service. In addition to traditional volunteering, the definition of community service is very broad and can include:
- A job skills training program;
- A GED prep course;
- An alcohol or drug abuse program or rehabilitation program;
- Receiving counseling or mentoring;
- Similar activities.
- For example, if you attend AA meetings regularly or serve as someone’s AA sponsor, this could count as community service. If you already volunteer at your child’s school or your church, this could count as community service. If you are taking classes to prepare for the GED, this could count as community service. Tell the judge about any volunteer, education or self-improvement activities that you think could count towards your community service.
- If you can’t think of an existing activity, the court may have a list of places they suggest you complete community service. Or you can suggest to the judge an organization where you would like to complete the community service so long as it is either a governmental entity, a nonprofit organization or other organization that provides services to the public, or an educational institution.
You will have to show the court proof that you completed any community service that you agreed to do.
- Be sure to record every hour worked, including the date, time and a description of the work performed. The judge may also ask that a supervisor sign off on these records to verify you completed the work before you submit them to the court.
If you are not going to complete community service on time, call the court to explain. Ask when you can see a judge to get an extension.
- If you have a good reason for not completing it, many judges will allow you more time.
- Communicating with the court could allow you to avoid having a warrant issued for not completing community service.