What are those extra charges assessed by Pennsylvania courts on top the fine in a traffic or criminal matter?

Apr 25th, 2007 | By Michael L. Saile, Jr., Esq. | Category: Blogs, Criminal & Traffic

Have you been to court in PA and either plead guilty or have been found guilty of an offense? If so, you may be wondering what are all those extra charges that are imposed by the court and are they legal?

Fines for traffic citations and criminal offenses in PA are not always the most expensive part of pleading or being found guilty. In Pennsylvania, traffic offenses are called “summary offenses”. With most PA summary offenses, the fine is only $25.

The problem is that the PA legislature has tacked on several other fees to each offense. Some of these fees include:

1. Increased fees if your case went to a trial.

2. Victim Compensation Fund.

3. Victim/Witness Services Fund.

4. Domestic Violence Act.

5. Emergency Medical Services.

6. EMS Charge with DUI.

7. Probation Fees.

8. The Judicial Computer System Fee.

9. Substance Abuse Education Fee.

10. Demand Reduction Cost Fee.

11. Administrative Management Fee.

There are many other fees that may apply to your case. Unfortunately, it appears that these fees are legal, as the Pennsylvania Legislature has approved them. The theory on these charges must be that if you break the law, you should be held responsible to society to help fix and prevent illegal behavior. Is this fair to you?

A complete list of all the fees involved in a Bucks County case is attached here: Office fo The Clerk of Courts Bucks County PA Fee Bill 2007.pdf