What happens if I have unpaid restitution fines?

The Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, Restitution Recovery Section is working with the Franchise Tax Board’s Court Ordered Debt Program to collect unpaid restitution fines.

How do you collect my restitution fines?

The Franchise Tax Board has three methods of collection:

1. Demand for Payment Letter: A letter is mailed to your home address requesting full payment of your restitution fine. If you fail to respond to the Franchise Tax Board with payment in full, or a phone call within 10 days of the date on your letter, the Franchise Tax Board will begin taking the next step in collecting your restitution fine.
2. Employer Garnishment: A letter is mailed to your employer requiring them to withhold a percentage of your net wages for each pay period until the amount of your restitution fine has been paid in full. Your employer is also instructed to notify you immediately of this action. If you fail to contact the Franchise Tax Board after receiving notice of the garnishment action, your employer will begin withholding wages as instructed.
3. Bank Levy Your bank receives a letter instructing them to freeze your bank account up to the full amount owed, and immediately notify you of this action. If you fail to contact the Franchise Tax Board within 10 business days, any funds available up to the full amount of the fine will be deducted from your bank account and sent to the Franchise Tax Board.