For consumers faced with overwhelming debt, bankruptcy is a very real solution. Thousands of people take advantage of the bankruptcy laws each year, and the result is that they are given a fresh financial start. Wiping the slate clean and starting over with a lighter debt load can help you to make ends meet, help keep you in your home, and allow you to provide continued support for your family. When you file for bankruptcy you are required to list all of your debts, and this includes any payments you are making in connection with a legal action to which you are a party. If you are required to pay fines and other fees associated with a criminal case, it is important to know whether filing for bankruptcy will relieve you of these obligations.

The goal of any bankruptcy case is to receive a discharge of your debts. The discharge is the legal mechanism that declares your debts no longer due, and after your bankruptcy case is over the lender is no longer permitted to seek payment for the discharged debt. However, there are exceptions to which debts can be discharged, and if a debt is considered non-dischargeable, filing bankruptcy will not eliminate that particular debt. If you are considering seeking the relief bankruptcy offers, the following payments for criminal matters will not be discharged by your filing:

  • The fines associated with a criminal case.
  • Any amount of restitution ordered to be paid to a victim.
  • Fines connected to a death resulting from operating a car while intoxicated.

The notation that you filed for bankruptcy remains on your credit for quite some time, so if you are thinking about filing it is important to be sure doing so will end in desirable results. If you are unable to obtain the results you want, it might not be a good idea to file bankruptcy. We can help you to examine your options and make a choice that meets your needs. If bankruptcy is not the answer for you, there may be other options for repayment that are not overly burdensome. Let us help you find a solution that works.

If you have questions about criminal fines and fees, call our office for answers. Schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Your first visit is a free initial consultation.