Legal Definitions - common fine

A common fine is a monetary penalty imposed by a court for an offense that affects the community or public at large. It is a payment made to the state or a public body as punishment for a breach of public order or law.

A common fine refers to a standard monetary penalty, often a relatively modest sum, imposed for minor offenses, infractions, or violations of regulations. These fines are typically established by statute, local ordinance, or well-understood legal practice, and are considered a routine consequence for specific types of misconduct. They are "common" because they are frequently applied and generally recognized as the expected penalty for certain low-level transgressions, rather than an extraordinary or highly punitive sanction.

• Example 1: Parking Violation
  Imagine a driver who parks their car in a designated "no parking" zone in a city. A parking enforcement officer issues a ticket with a pre-set penalty of $75. This $75 is a common fine because it is a standard, non-negotiable monetary penalty routinely applied for a specific, minor traffic infraction, as outlined in local municipal ordinances.

• Example 2: Littering in a Public Park
  Consider an individual who discards a plastic bottle on the ground in a public park, despite clear signage indicating a "no littering" policy. A park ranger or law enforcement officer issues a citation with a fine of $100, as specified by local environmental regulations. This $100 is a common fine because it is a routine, established monetary penalty for a minor public order offense, designed to deter such behavior.

• Example 3: Minor Noise Ordinance Infraction
  Suppose a homeowner hosts a gathering where music is played loudly past the designated quiet hours, leading to a complaint from a neighbor. Local police respond and issue a citation for violating the municipal noise ordinance, which carries a standard fine of $150 for a first offense. This $150 is a common fine as it represents a pre-established, non-severe monetary penalty for a routine violation of local community regulations.