Past Due & Delinquent Case Information

If a payment plan is not set up or sanction paid in full within 90 days from adjudication of the case, the court may do one or more of the following:

• Add a $70 default fee to the amount due as prescribed by Mesa City Code.
• Refer the amount due to, the Consolidated Collection Unit, F.A.R.E (Fines, Fees and Restitution Enforcement) program, which will result in additional fees you will have to pay. F.A.R.E Program.
• Addition of $49.00 delinquency fee to your outstanding balance.
• Notify the Arizona Department of Revenue to deduct the amount due the court from your state tax refund, and pay the balance of the refund, if any, to you.
• A MVD registration hold will be placed on the vehicle. 

Why did a collection agency contact me for a court payment?

When a fine is not paid as ordered, the court notifies the Consolidated Collection Unit, F.A.R.E. (Fines, Fees and Restitution Enforcement) program to pursue collection of the fine. Once the collection efforts begin, there will be additional fees you will need to pay. F.A.R.E Program. 

Why is there a hold on my car registration?

The Traffic Ticket Enforcement Assistance Program, also known as TTEAP, places a hold on a vehicle registration renewal for a vehicle owned or co-owned by an individual per Arizona Statute ARS § 28-1631throughARS § 28-1636.

How can a TTEAP registration renewal hold be released?

If the case balance is paid in full or if the case is set up on a court payment plan are two options.  Please contact the court if you would like to set up a payment plan, a $150.00 down payment is required, and you must enroll in the CAP program. Enrollment will release the TTEAP hold on the case and suspend collections activity as long as you remain current on the payment plan. Payment plans cannot be set up online. Please contact the court to arrange a payment plan and pay the required down payment.

If there is more than one case contributing to the TTEAP hold, all cases must be resolved before the hold will be released (see the Compliance Assistance Program). 

To locate cases in other cities/counties: Public Access Case Lookup

If you receive notification from the Arizona Department of Revenue that money has been deducted from your tax refund to satisfy a debt owed to the court, you should contact the court to determine whether the fine is paid in full and make arrangements for paying the balance, if there is one.

ARS § 42-1122 - AZ Dept of Revenue DSO Program

Other programs that allow courts to withhold monies to pay outstanding court fines:

ARS § 5-575: Establishes a debt setoff program by which AZ Lottery winnings of $600 or more could be intercepted to collect delinquent debts of at least $100

ARS § 5-1208 (E): Fantasy Sports Betting - allows winnings of $600 or more to be intercepted for outstanding court-ordered debt

ARS § 5-1320 (F): Event Wagering - allows winnings of $600 or more to be intercepted for outstanding court-ordered debt

What is the FARE Compliance Assistance Program (CAP)?

The FARE Compliance Assistance Program (CAP) is a program offered by the Mesa Municipal Court. FARE CAP is designed to help you resolve past due fines owed to the court. FARE CAP allows you to enter into a payment plan for cases without having to see a judge. You will be required to make a down-payment and agree to affordable monthly payments. The court is open Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, except holidays. You can call the court at 480-644-2255 or visit the court in person. Check in at the information window to receive a number and your number will be called to the next available window.

How does FARE CAP work?

When you contact the Court, a staff member will ask for your name and date of birth to identify all unpaid fines and fees you owe. You must provide an updated address and phone number. Upon review of your case(s), staff will inform you of the down-payment required to qualify for CAP. Once you make your down-payment and agree to your payment plan, collection costs may be waived.

What do I need to enroll in the CAP program?
You must contact the Court and be prepared to make the down-payment. The recommended down-payment starts at $150.00. 

What if I do not have the money to pay the down-payment amount immediately?
We encourage you to contact the Court and discuss the amount you may need to pay to participate in FARE CAP. You may begin FARE CAP as soon as you make the down-payment.

What if I have difficulty making my scheduled payment?
If you are unable to make your payment, contact Court staff at 480-644-2255 to discuss your options.  

What happens if I do not make the payments on the payment plan?
If you fail to make your payments, one or more of the following may occur:

• Prevention of renewal of any Arizona vehicle registration where you are the registered owner

• Notification to the Arizona Department of Revenue to intercept your Arizona State tax refund or lottery winnings to pay your outstanding balance

• Notification to a Collection Agency (F.A.R.E.) and collection fees added to your outstanding balance and case will remain in F.A.R.E until paid in full