Payment Information
Paying Online
Make a payment or select payment alternatives for criminal and traffic cases.
View the How-To Guide for making an online payment.
Can't afford to pay?
If you cannot afford to pay the full amount of a fine for an infraction offense (including most traffic tickets), you may ask the court to reduce the amount you owe based on your ability to pay in setting the total amount due online or in-person at any point before your fines and fees are fully paid.
The MyCitations online tool allows you to enter a plea and make an ability to pay request on eligible infractions. In addition to requesting a reduction, you can request a payment plan, more time to pay, or ask to complete community service in lieu of paying fines and fees.
Fines and fees owed from a misdemeanor or felony offense are not eligible to request a reduction.
Do not use the online tool if you want to:
1) Contest the citation
2) Attend traffic school
3) Get a dismissal or reduction of charges with proof of correction
Paying by Mail
You may handle most transactions through the mail. To pay your citation by mail, send a check or money order (U.S. dollars) made payable to Butte County Superior Court any time prior to your appearance date. Send payment to the court listed on your courtesy notice. Write the case number and the name of the person who received the citation on the check or money order to ensure it is applied to the correct case. Please be sure that we have your current mailing address so that we can respond to you in a timely manner, if necessary.
Requesting a Payment Plan or Fine Reduction
If you are unable to pay your citation in full by your appearance date you may request a bail installment (payment plan) by contacting the Traffic Division at 1775 Concord Avenue in Chico, or by phone at (530) 532-7005. Please note that on vehicle code violations a 10% down-payment of the total bail amount must be paid at the time the payment plan is established (per VC40510.5).
If you were charged with an infraction and have already been convicted of the charge(s), you may contact the Court and/or submit a "Can't Afford to Pay Fine" form to request a reduction of the fine, additional time to pay, a payment plan, or community service.
Work Program
If you are financially unable to pay your bail/fine, you may be eligible to convert it to community service. In order to determine your eligibility you must contact the Court Compliance Division at (530) 532-7014. You must complete a financial declaration and, in most instances, provide proof of your income and expenses.