The Ministry of Justice has been compiling a draft circular that would allow fines to take the place of criminal detention.

According to the draft, defendants that have no prior records and show repentance would be allowed this avenue.  The disabled, war veterans and school-aged adolescents would also be considered. Defendants' financial capacity will be taken into consideration.

If the defendants are adolescents and do not have sufficient financial capacity, their guardian will be held responsible.

The money or assets would be placed in account as deposit, VND10 million (USD478) for less serious offenses and VND50 millions (USD2,392) and VND150 million (USD7,177) for more severe offenses. The most severe offenses subjected to fine would cost VND350 million (USD16,746).

For offenders in difficult financial situations, arrangements can be made to pay half the fine. These would mostly be applied to cases in mountainous areas and other disadvantaged communities, or in cases where the person is elderly.

After reviewing the offender's background, legal agencies would then send a notice and forms to the offenders to fill in.

In order to prevent fleeing, the draft law stipulated that offenders must present the court with evidence that cannot be tampered with or destroyed before the hearing.

Tienphong/Dtinews