Capias Pro Fine is best described as which of the following?

• A. A writ ordering an officer to take a person into custody and bring that person before the court after judgment and sentence for unpaid fines and costs.
• B. A writ ordering a person to appear at a hearing but not in custody.
• C. A writ to seize property for unpaid fines.
• D. A writ to release a person after payment of fines.

Answer: (A)

Capias pro fine is a writ used to enforce a court’s judgment for fines and costs when those amounts remain unpaid. After the judgment, if the defendant doesn’t pay, the court issues this writ to a peace officer directing the arrest of the defendant and to bring them before the court so the unpaid fines can be addressed. It ensures the court can compel compliance with the monetary judgment, not merely summon the person to appear or seize property. This distinguishes it from a non-custody summons, a writ to seize property for unpaid debts, or a release action after payment.