Challenge a fine if given to me unfairly
Have you received a fine and don’t believe you should have? Follow the guide below to appeal your fine.
Outcome
To learn how to challenge a fine if given to me unfairly
Let's start with why this is important:
- challenging a fine is complicated but if you appeal a fine that was given to you unfairly you won't have to pay it
- a fine must be appealed before the due date so make sure you appeal it within that time
KEY WORDS
Appeal: to challenge or to fight a legal decision which has been made against you.
Information
If you get a fine but are HOMELESS, ADDICTED TO DRUGS, ALCOHOL OR CHROMING, A VICTIM OF FAMILY VIOLENCE or HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS, you can apply for special consideration to have your fine revoked. If you are in this situation CALL VICTORIA LEGAL AID 1300 792 387 (available Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm AEST)
Your options for dealing with fines are to:
• pay the fine in full by following the instructions on the infringement notice
• ask the agency for a payment plan if you need more time to pay
• ask the agency to review your fine if you do not agree with their decision
• choose to go to the Magistrates’ Court to challenge the fine.
What to do next
Fine fixer
Use this website to find out what you can do about the fine you have received. You will need to enter all the fine information and then you will get tailored advice to help you decide what to do next.
Appealing a fine letter template
Re: Appealing infringement notice (here you add the number on your fine).
To whom it may concern,
I received an infringement notice on (insert date the offence occurred). The notice stated to have been issued for the following reason/s:
- list here the reason your notice was given to you e.g. parking in a loading zone, speeding in a 40km/h zone.
I request that the notice be reviewed for the following reason/s:
- explain here why you should not receive the notice. You might like to detail your specific circumstances and why you were unable to avoid the fine. You may also include a photo or other such evidence as to why this occurred.
I ask that all factors surrounding the infringement notice be considered when reviewing my claim.
Your sincerely,
Signature
Your name
More Information & Services
CALL VICTORIA LEGAL AID 1300 792 387 (available Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm AEST) free legal advice for all Victorians
CALL VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL LEGAL SERVICE 1800 064 865 (available Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm AEST) free legal advice for ATSI people
CALL REFUGEE LEGAL (03) 9413 0100 (available Wednesday & Friday 10am-2pm AEST) free legal advice for refugees and asylum seekers
CALL YOUTHLAW (03) 9113 9500 (available Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm AEST) free and confidential legal information and advice to young people up to the age of 25
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