State v. Lisa A. Carter, 229 Wis. 2d 200, 598 N.W.2d 619 (Ct. App. 1999)
For Carter: Paul G. LaZotte.
Issue/Holding: The jail assessment in §§ 302.46(1) & 814.60(2)(ag) is contingent on imposition of a fine or forfeiture.
Section 814.60(2)(ag), STATS., provides that “[i]n addition to any fine imposed, a defendant shall be required to pay any … [j]ail assessment imposed by s. 302.46(1).” Section 302.46(1), STATS., provides in relevant part:
(a) On or after October 1, 1987, if a court imposes a fine or forfeiture for a violation of state law … the court, in addition, shall impose a jail assessment in an amount of 1% of the fine or forfeiture imposed or $10, whichever is greater. If multiple offenses are involved, the court shall determine the jail assessment on the basis of each fine or forfeiture. If a fine or forfeiture is suspended in whole or in part, the court shall reduce the jail assessment in proportion to the suspension.[3] [Emphasis added.]
Because the circuit court did not assess a fine or forfeiture as part of Carter’s sentence, we conclude that the imposition of a jail assessment was not authorized pursuant to § 302.46(1). We vacate that portion of Carter’s judgment which imposes the $20 “fine.”
