Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial ProcedureRelease 119-102
§1918 District Courts; Fines, Forfeitures and Criminal Proceedings
Title 28 › PART V — PROCEDURE › CHAPTER 123 — FEES AND COSTS › § 1918
Summary
Courts can add legal costs to any court decision against someone who broke a federal law that allows a civil fine or the taking of property. If a person is convicted in federal district court of a crime that is not punishable by death, the court may order that person to pay the costs of the prosecution.
Full Legal Text
Title 28, §1918
Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Costs shall be included in any judgment, order, or decree rendered against any person for the violation of an Act of Congress in which a civil fine or forfeiture of property is provided for.
(b)Whenever any conviction for any offense not capital is obtained in a district court, the court may order that the defendant pay the costs of prosecution.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 822 (R.S. § 974). Changes were made in phraseology.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
28 U.S.C. § 1918
Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102