Editing Openai/69647b7c-cf54-800c-a1df-e96d00889266 (section)

==== 4) Likely fine amount (so you can compare “fight vs pay”) ====

For 2026, Minnesota’s statewide payables list states the fine amount for petty misdemeanors is $50 (unless a different fine is specified), plus surcharges and any law library fee. Minnesota Courts<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota Courts|url=https://mncourts.gov/_media/migration/scao_library/statewide-payables/2026-Traffic-Criminal-Payables-List-Payables-List-FINAL.pdf|publisher=Minnesota Courts|access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref>

Hennepin County’s court site explains that non-parking citations currently add a $75 state surcharge and a $3 Hennepin law library fee, giving an example total of $128 for a $50 offense. Minnesota Courts<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota Courts|url=https://mncourts.gov/find-courts/hennepin/hennepinviolationsbureauandhearingoffice/contesting-and-other-options|publisher=Minnesota Courts|access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref>

So if yours is treated like a typical petty misdemeanor, the “just pay it” comparison point is often around $128 in Hennepin County (but always verify the amount on your specific citation). Minnesota Courts<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota Courts|url=https://mncourts.gov/find-courts/hennepin/hennepinviolationsbureauandhearingoffice/contesting-and-other-options|publisher=Minnesota Courts|access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref>