What is Section 1214.1 of the California Penal Code?
Section 1214.1 of the California Penal Code gives courts the right to order a civil assessment that is an additional penalty for defendants in certain infraction, misdemeanor or felony cases.PurposeThe assessment penalizes defendants who fail to appear in court or pay a fine ordered by the court. The statute specifies that the penalty may be imposed only when the defendant has received notice and has failed to respond “without good cause.”Good CauseThe court may waive the assessment, or refund it if you have already paid, if you can give a good reason for your failure to respond. The website US Legal Definitions suggests that “being in the hospital, on military duty or in jail” are examples of acceptable reasons.AmountThe amount of the assessment is $300, which is deposited in the Trial Court Trust Fund.TimingThe court allows at least 10 days after it sends notice before making the assessment effective.
