Fines issued after prosecution
Court fines issued after prosecution can be referred to a solicitor, although clients could try to negotiate a payment with a fines enforcement officer (FEO) first, if it is not too late.
Fines enforcement officers
FEOs are employed by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) and are responsible for giving information and advice about paying fines and for making sure that fines are paid in the way stated in enforcement orders.
The sheriff or justice of the peace usually sets the payment rate when the fine is issued. If your client is having difficulty keeping up with payments, they can ask the FEO to change the rate of payment.
The FEO will ask your client to complete a ‘declaration of income’ form and supporting information should be provided to allow the FEO to decide whether to reduce payments and/or allow more time to pay.1s226A(2) CP(S)A 1995 See for more information.