FinesThe legal positionSpecial featuresChecklist for actionFines are the most common form of punishment imposed by the magistrates’ or Crown Court for criminal offences.The legal positionMagistrates’ courts can impose fines for criminal offences by a wide variety of legislation. They must consider the means of the defendant ’as far as they are known to the court’.1s35 MCA 1980 Maximum amounts are laid down in regulations for each offence. 1 s35 MCA 1980 » Special featuresFines should be distinguished from costs or compensation, which are often also awarded against defendants in criminal actions.Advisers should consider emergency action if payment of a fine is difficult for a client. This is a priority debt (see Chapter 8). Court procedures and enforcement are explained in Chapter 13. Checklist for actionAdvisers should take the following action.•Consider whether emergency action is necessary (see Chapter 8).•Check liability, including for any associated bailiff’s charges.•Assist the client to choose a strategy from Chapter 8, as this is a priority debt.