When the court collects only part of the fine and costs, how should the money be allocated?

• A. All of the money to the costs.
• B. All of the money to the fines.
• C. The money is prorated between the fines and the costs.
• D. The clerk may allocate all of the money to the fines.

Answer: (A)

When a court is owed both fines and costs, payments are applied to the costs first. If only part of the total is paid, that amount is allocated entirely to the costs because the court’s costs have priority. Any remaining funds after the costs are fully paid would then be applied to the fines. For example, if costs total 50 and a partial payment of 40 is received, the 40 goes to costs, leaving costs still due and fines unchanged. Only after costs are satisfied would any future payment start reducing the fines. The other options don’t reflect this priority, since directing money to the fines or prorating payments ignores the rule that costs are collected first.