Virginia law § 19.2-354.1 requires courts to inform defendants about payment options for fines and costs, including deferred, modified deferred, and installment agreements. Courts must offer these options regardless of offense category or amount owed, and may include community service credits. The law aims to facilitate payment plans and ensure defendants are aware of their options.
A deferred payment agreement allows a defendant to pay all fines and costs at the end of a specified period, with no installment payments required during the term.
No, courts are required to inform defendants of available payment options and must offer them the opportunity to enter into deferred, modified deferred, or installment payment agreements.
Yes, if a community service program is established, defendants may earn credits toward their fines and costs through community service work.
No, courts cannot deny defendants the opportunity to enter into payment agreements solely based on the offense category or the amount of fines and costs owed.