“Fine Increased After Court Date”

Hello,

I recently had a trial date set for a simple bylaw infraction (sign related). The set fine and victim fine surcharge was $18.75.

I had requested disclosure, received the package and intended to go to court, however I had a work related meeting come up and couldn't make the court date.

Since I missed the court date I received a letter of conviction, stating I owed $28.75. The fine had increased $10 for no apparent reason. I can afford either fine, but isn't this illegal to increase the fine after court? Isn't the set fine for all tickets assume that everyone will go to court and those costs are built in?

Thanks in advance.

PR

Different rates are common. For speeding you actually get a "discount" rate for paying without going to court. Covers court costs and the such.

So I receive my court date letter saying I committed a bylaw offence with a set fine of $18.75.

I get convicted of this bylaw and the fine has now increased randomly $10 to $28.75.

It's the exact same offence but the fine changed when I left the court room compared to when I entered it.

This is allowed?

If the set fine is $18.75, then you'd add $5 for court costs and, I think, $5 for the victim surcharge (I'd have to double-check that amount, though)... so $28.75 is the correct total payable.