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Fines and Penalties

What is a fine?

A fine is a monetary penalty that can be imposed by a magistrate. The Sentencing Act 1991 defines ‘fine’ as:

'…the sum of money payable by an offender under an order of a court made on the offender being convicted or found guilty of an offence and includes costs but does not include money payable by way of restitution or compensation or any costs of or incidental to an application for restitution or compensation payable by an offender under an order of a court.' (Section 3, Sentencing Act 1991).

As a part of an order in relation to a fine, a magistrate may also impose other monetary penalties, such as ordering an offender to pay compensation or costs.