Fine option orders

How many hours of community service will I have to do?

From 1 January 2009, if you are given a fine option order to convert your SPER fine and costs into hours of community service, you will be required to perform one hour of unpaid community service for every $20. If you have a Fine Option Order issued prior to 1 January 2009, you will be performing one hour of unpaid community service for every $15.

Can I apply for a Fine Option Order if I reside outside of Queensland?

No. You must be a resident of Queensland to apply to have your fine converted to unpaid community service.

Can I fulfil the requirement of my Fine Option Order anywhere in Queensland?

You are required to report to a Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Office nearest to where you reside, at which point you will be directed to a suitable project.

I'm on a Fine Option Order and I'm moving: what do I need to do?

You should notify SPER of your change of address. You must also notify the QCS Office you have been advised to report to of your change of address within two business days. Failure to do so could result in the revocation of your Fine Option Order.

Can I make part payments while on a Fine Option Order?

Any payments you make while performing community service will not automatically be disbursed to your Fine Option Order debts. You should contact QCS and SPER if you wish to make payments.

What if my circumstances have changed and I can now afford to pay?

If you can pay in full, contact QCS for a payout figure and then contact SPER to make your payments.

Please note: Depending on your outstanding fines with SPER money paid may not be paid (disbursed) to the debts covered by your Fine Option Order(s).

If you cannot pay in full and wish to enter into an Instalment Plan, contact QCS to advise them of your change of circumstances.

Can I apply for a Fine Option Order once Queensland Police have arrested me?

No. If you are arrested on a Warrant of Arrest and Imprisonment, your only options are to serve the time in prison, or pay the fine (plus costs) in full.

Are all of my fines/orders able to be converted into Fine Option Orders?

No. There are some fines/orders, such as compensation, restitution and Offender Recovery orders which cannot be converted into a Fine Option Order. You can apply to pay these components by an Instalment Plan.