Enforcement of fines

The Viscount is responsible for enforcing fines that the courts have imposed following a criminal conviction. The Viscount has powers to seize and sell property for this purpose and exercises discretion over the best means of securing payment. In practice the officers in the Enforcement Team of the Viscount’s Department are authorised to carry out this work.

Where to pay

Fines can be paid to the Cashier's desk in Morier House. The desk is open from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and on Friday from 9am to 4:30pm. Payment can be sent by post to the same address, but no responsibility can be accepted for the loss of cash sent by post.

If payment is made by cheque, then the cheque must be made out to the "Viscount, Jersey" and the cheque must be presented allowing sufficient time for funds to clear before the date on which payment falls due.

Payment plans

When a fine is imposed, the court may order that the fine be paid as a lump sum, or may allow the fine to be paid by instalments under a payment plan.

If you are paying a fine by instalments then it is essential that payments are made regularly and on time. If you fail to pay any of your instalments on time then the Viscount may take action to enforce the whole of the fine, not just the arrears in the instalments.

Difficulty making a payment

Fines often carry with them a default sentence of imprisonment if they are not paid on time. If you have been ordered to pay a fine and fail to do so then you may be arrested and your property may be seized by the Viscount to secure payment.

If you have been ordered to pay a fine and, for whatever reason, find yourself in difficulty with regards to payment, it is important to that you contact the Enforcement Team in the Viscount’s Department as soon as you can.