paying off or “satisfying” my court-ordered debt

How you pay your fines, fees, and restitution will vary, because each court and agency handles unpaid debts slightly differently. Depending on where you were convicted, the type(s) of debt(s) you owe, how much you owe, how old your debt is, and whether you are currently incarcerated or on supervision, your debt may be collected by any one of these departments or agencies:

    Court Collections
    CDCR
    Local jail or juvenile hall
    Parole officer
    Probation Department
    Victim Compensation & Government Claims Board
    Franchise Tax Board
    County collection agency
    Private collection agencies

  1. Restitution

    1. How do I pay restitution while incarcerated?

    2. How do I pay restitution while on state parole?

    3. How do I pay restitution while on probation, PRCS, or mandatory supervision in California?

    4. What will happen if I can’t pay the restitution?

    5. Can my public benefit payments be garnished to pay off restitution?

    6. IF I RECEIVE AN INHERITANCE, CAN IT BE TAKEN TO PAY OFF MY RESTITUTION?

    7. The victim never claimed restitution. Do I still have to pay?

    8. The victim who was receiving my restitution payments just died. Do I still have to pay?

  2. Court fines, penalties & administrative fees

    1. How do I pay off the court fines, penalties, and administrative fees?

    2. What might happen if I can’t pay my debt?

  3. Traffic fines and fees

    1. How do I pay my traffic fines?

    2. Can I go to traffic school to pay off my traffic tickets?

    3. What options do I have if I cannot pay my traffic fines?

  4. Reducing or Forgiving Court-Ordered Debt

    1. What options do I have to reduce or forgive my court-ordered debt?