Bill > HB660

This bill allows courts in Virginia to waive or reduce certain fees for defendants in criminal or traffic cases if they are determined to be indigent, meaning they cannot afford to pay based on established financial criteria. This determination can be made by the judge on their own initiative or at the request of the defendant, at any point before a fee is assessed or a final order is issued. The bill also establishes a presumption that individuals already deemed indigent under the law are unable to pay these fees, unless the court finds otherwise, and clarifies that courts can still reduce or waive court debt already imposed through other legal processes. This aims to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent defendants from addressing their legal obligations.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB660