Form SJ-1197 lets a person found guilty of a penal offence (e.g. a statement of offence) ask the court to reduce the costs imposed, under articles 261 et seq. of the Code of Penal Procedure.
The application must show, under oath, an inability to pay the costs in full — financial situation, income, expenses.
The oath, in brief
Form SJ-1197 contains a declaration under oath (or a solemn affirmation): it must be signed before a person legally authorized to receive it — a Commissioner for Oaths, notary, lawyer, clerk, or justice of the peace.
In Québec, a Commissioner for Oaths can administer this oath remotely, by videoconference, when the required conditions are met (seeing and hearing each other, viewing the document, keeping it confidential).
Where to get the document
Form SJ-1197 is published in French only by Québec's Ministère de la Justice. No official English version of this specific document is currently published — the organization's English page lists the same category of forms.
Download form SJ-1197 (quebec.ca, PDF, in French)
Have form SJ-1197 sworn online
Form SJ-1197 can be sworn remotely, avoiding an extra trip for someone already dealing with financial hardship.
Before booking, confirm with the court registry or the receiving organization the deadlines that apply to your file.