What is the federal special assessment?
Under 18 U.S.C. 3013, federal courts impose a mandatory special assessment on every count of conviction: $100 per felony count, and $25 or more for misdemeanors, for individual defendants. The funds go to the Crime Victims Fund. It is separate from any fine, restitution, or court costs.
What are victim compensation fees?
Many states add a victim compensation fee or surcharge to criminal sentences to fund state victim assistance programs. It may be a flat per-count amount or a percentage of the fine. Amounts vary widely by state and offence level, and are separate from restitution paid directly to a victim.
What is the difference between a fine and court costs?
A fine is a punitive monetary penalty set as part of the sentence. Court costs (or fees) are administrative charges for processing the case, and assessments fund specific programs like victim services. All three can apply to a single case, sharply increasing the total amount owed.
Can criminal fees and fines be waived or reduced?
Sometimes. Courts may waive or reduce discretionary fees for defendants who are indigent, and some states have ability-to-pay hearings. Mandatory assessments like the federal special assessment are harder to avoid. A defense attorney can request a payment plan or a waiver where available.