Fiscal fine
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A fiscal fine is a form of deferred prosecution agreement in Scotland issued by a procurator fiscal for certain summary offences as an alternative to prosecution.
Fiscal fines can vary between £50 and £300, but a compensation offer may be issued either separately or additionally with similar effect but with payment going to the victim of crime: these can be of any amount not exceeding £500.[1] Whilst not being recorded as a conviction or formal admission of guilt, the payment of a fiscal fine can be revealed in certain circumstances.[2] The power to issue fiscal fines is conferred by section 50 of the Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007.
Controversy[edit]
The Scotsman newspaper reported in 2008 that fiscal fines were being used to deal with violent and serious crimes, contrary to previous assurances from the Crown Office.[3]
The enforcement regime was also criticised in the Scottish Parliament when figures revealed 45% of fiscal fines issued remained unpaid.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/payyourfine/DirectMeasures.asp
- ^ http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/payyourfine/DirectMeasures.asp
- ^ http://www.heraldscotland.com/anger-as-violent-criminals-get-fiscal-fine-deals-1.883119
- ^ http://www.heraldscotland.com/almost-half-of-fiscal-fines-are-unpaid-despite-enforcement-regime-1.906055
External links[edit]
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