Bill Text: WV HB4958 | 2020 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Relating to eliminating the ability of a person’s driver license to be suspended for failure to pay court fines and costs
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-04-15 - Chapter 227, Acts, Regular Session, 2020 [HB4958 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2020-HB4958-Engrossed.html
WEST virginia legislature
2020 regular session
ENGROSSED
House Bill 4958
By Delegates Hamrick, Canestraro, D. Kelly, Lovejoy, Miller, Shott, Nelson, Mandt, Fleischauer, Pushkin and Pyles
[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary; Reported on February 20, 2020.]
A BILL to amend and reenact §8-10-2a and §8-10-2b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend and reenact §17B-3-3a and §17B-3-3c of said code; to amend and reenact §50-3-2a of said code; and to amend and reenact §62-4-17 of said code, all relating to eliminating the ability of a person’s driver’s license to be suspended for the failure to pay court fines and costs; allowing court clerks to accept electronic payments, credit cards, cash, money orders, or certified checks; requiring magistrate, municipal, and circuit clerks to set up a payment plan if an individual signs an affidavit stating that he or she is unable to pay the court fines and costs imposed; requiring the Supreme Court of Appeals to generate forms; authorizing magistrate, municipal, and circuit clerks to assess late fees, to record a judgment lien for unpaid fines and costs in the county clerk’s office, and to send a debt to collections; and allowing for previously suspended driver’s licenses to be reinstated.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
CHAPTER 8. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS.
ARTICLE 10. POWERS AND DUTIES OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.
§8-10-2a. Payment of fines by electronic payments, credit
cards, cash, money orders, or certified checks; payment plan; failure
to pay will result in late fee and judgement lien; suspension of driver’s
license for failure to pay motor vehicle violation fines or to appear in
court.
(a) A municipal court may accept electronic payments, credit
cards, cash, money order, or certified checks for of all costs,
fines, forfeitures, or penalties electronically, by mail, or in person. Any charges made by the credit company shall be paid by the
person responsible for paying the cost, fine, fee, or penalty A municipal court may collect a substantial portion of all
costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties at the time such amount is imposed by
the court as described in this section. so long as the court requires the
balance to be paid within 180 days from the date of judgment and in accordance
with a: Provided, That all costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties
imposed by the municipal court upon a nonresident of this state by judgment
entered upon a conviction must be paid within 80 days from the date of judgment.
If the following requirements are met, the municipal clerk shall set up a
payment plan for anyone owing costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed
by the court for a motor vehicle violation as defined in §17B-3-3a of
this code, or other applicable
municipal ordinances so long as, the
person signs and files with the clerk, an affidavit, stating that he or she is
financially unable to pay the costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed:
(1) A one-time $25 administrative processing fee shall be paid at the time the payment form is turned in or may be paid in no more than 5 equal monthly payments;
(2) A person must enroll in a payment plan no later than 180 calendar days after the date the court enters the order assessing the costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties; and
(3) If the person is incarcerated, he or she shall apply to the clerk for enrollment in a payment plan within 180 calendar days after release.
(b) The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals shall generate a uniform payment plan form and a uniform affidavit showing inability to pay for use by individuals seeking to establish a payment plan. Each clerk shall use the uniform payment plan form and uniform affidavit form when establishing payment plans.
(c)(1)The payment plan
shall specify: (A) The number of additional payments to be made; (B) the
dates on which such payments are due and amounts shall be made;
(C) the amounts due for each payment on such dates;
(D) all acceptable payment methods; and (E) the circumstances under which the person
may receive a late fee, have a judgment lien recorded against them, or have the
debt sent to collections for nonpayment.
(2) The monthly payment under the payment plan shall be calculated based upon all costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties owed within the court, and shall be two percent of the person’s annual net income divided by 12 or $10, whichever is greater.
(3) The court may review the reasonableness of the payment plan, and may on its own motion or by petition, waive, modify, or convert the outstanding costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties to community service if the court determines that the individual has had a change in circumstances and is unable to comply with the terms of the payment plan.
(d)(1) The clerk may assess a $10 late fee each month if a person fails to comply with the terms of a payment plan and if any payment due is not received within 30 days after the due date, and the person: (1) Is not incarcerated; (2) has not brought the account current; (3) has not made alternative payment arrangements with the court; or (4) has not entered into a revised payment plan with the clerk before the due date.
(2) If after 90 days, a payment has not been received, the clerk may record a judgement lien as described in subsection (f) of this section or transmit notice to a private collection agency or private attorney authorized under §14-1-18c of this code or to an internal collection division to collect any delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties, or both: Provided, That the entire amount of all delinquent payments collected shall be remitted to the court and shall not be reduced by any collection costs or fees: Provided, however, That the collection fee may not exceed 25 percent of the delinquent payment amount. The clerk may send notices, electronically or by mail, to remind an individual of an upcoming or missed payment.
(e)(1) If a person does not enroll in a payment plan and does not pay their costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed within 180 days from the date of judgement, the clerk may assess a $10 late fee. The clerk shall notify the person that he or she is 180 days past due, has not enrolled in a payment plan, has received a $10 late fee, and may have a judgment lien recorded against him or her and have his or her debt sent to collections if not resolved within 30 days.
(2) If after an additional 30 days, a payment has not been received, the clerk may record a judgement lien as described in subsection (f) of this section or transmit notice to a private collection agency or private attorney authorized under §14-1-18c of this code or to an internal collection division to collect any delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties, or both: Provided, That the entire amount of all delinquent payments collected shall be remitted to the court and shall not be reduced by any collection costs or fees: Provided, however, That the collection fee may not exceed 25 percent of the delinquent payment amount:
(f) To record a judgement lien, the clerk shall notify the prosecuting attorney of the county of nonpayment and shall provide the prosecuting attorney with an abstract of judgment. The prosecuting attorney shall file the abstract of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county commission in the county where the defendant was convicted and in any county wherein the defendant resides or owns property. The clerks of the county commissions shall record and index these abstracts of judgment without charge or fee to the prosecuting attorney and when so recorded, the amount stated to be owed in the abstract shall constitute a lien against all property of the defendant: Provided, That when all the costs, fines, fees, forfeitures or penalties described for which an abstract of judgment has been recorded are paid in full, the clerk of the municipal court shall notify the prosecuting attorney of the county of payment and provide the prosecuting attorney with a release of judgment, prepared in accordance with the provisions of §38-12-1 of this code, for filing and recordation pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision. Upon receipt from the clerk, the prosecuting attorney shall file the release of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county commission in each county where an abstract of the judgment was recorded. The clerks of the county commissions shall record and index the release of judgment without charge or fee to the prosecuting attorney.
(g) A person whose driver’s license was suspended before July 1, 2020, pursuant to this section solely for the nonpayment of costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties, if otherwise eligible, may apply to have his or her license reinstated: (1) Upon payment in full of all outstanding costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties and a reduced one-time $25 reinstatement fee paid to the Division of Motor Vehicles; or (2) upon enrolling in a payment plan, as described in this section, with the clerk and paying the $25 one-time administrative fee. Upon entering into a payment plan, the clerk shall provide a verification of enrollment to the Division of Motor Vehicles and to the person for submission to the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Division shall waive the reinstatement fee.
(b)(h) If costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties imposed by
the municipal court for motor vehicle violations as defined in section three-a,
article three, chapter seventeen-b of this code are not paid within the time
limits imposed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, or if a person
fails to appear or otherwise respond in court when charged with a motor vehicle
violation as defined in §17B-3-3a of this code, the municipal court must notify the
Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles of such failure to pay or
failure to appear: Provided, That notwithstanding any other provision of
this code to the contrary, the municipal court shall wait at least 90 days from
the date that all costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties are due in full or,
for failure to appear or otherwise respond, ninety days from the date of
such failure before notifying the Division of Motor Vehicles thereof.
§8-10-2b. Payment
plan; failure to pay will result in late fee and judgement lien; suspension of licenses for failure to pay fines and
costs or failure to appear in court.
(a) If the following requirements are met, the municipal court clerk or, upon a judgment rendered on appeal, the circuit clerk shall set up a payment plan for anyone owing costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed by the court for a criminal offense as defined in §17B-3-3c of this code, or other applicable municipal ordinances so long as, the person signs and files with the clerk, an affidavit, stating that he or she is financially unable to pay the costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties imposed:
(1) A one-time $25 administrative processing fee shall be paid at the time the payment form is turned in or may be paid in no more than 5 equal monthly payments;
(2) A person must enroll in a payment plan no later than 180 calendar days after the date the court enters the order assessing the costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties; and
(3) If the person is incarcerated, he or she shall apply to the clerk for enrollment in a payment plan within 180 calendar days after release.
(b) The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals shall generate a uniform payment plan form and a uniform affidavit showing inability to pay for use by individuals seeking to establish a payment plan. Each clerk shall use the uniform payment plan form and uniform affidavit form when establishing payment plans.
(c)(1) The payment
plan shall specify: (A) The number of additional payments to be made; (B)
the dates on which such payments are due and amounts shall be made;
(C) the amounts due for each payment on such dates;
(D) all acceptable payment methods; and (E) the circumstances under which the
person may receive a late fee, have a judgement lien recorded against them, or have
the debt sent to collections for nonpayment;
(2) The monthly payment under the payment plan shall be calculated based upon all costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties owed within the court, and shall be two percent of the person’s annual net income divided by 12 or $10, whichever is greater;
(3) The court may review the reasonableness of the payment plan, and may on its own motion or by petition, waive, modify, or convert the outstanding costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties to community service if the court determines that the individual has had a change in circumstances and is unable to comply with the terms of the payment plan.
(d) The clerk may assess a $10 late fee each month if a person fails to comply with the terms of a payment plan and if any payment due is not received within 30 days after the due date, and the person: (1) Is not incarcerated; (2) has not brought the account current; (3) has not made alternative payment arrangements with the court; or (4) has not entered into a revised payment plan with the clerk before the due date.
(2) If after 90 days, a payment has not been received, the clerk may record a judgement lien as described in subsection (f) of this section or transmit notice to a private collection agency or private attorney authorized under §14-1-18c of this code or to an internal collection division to collect any delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties, or both: Provided, That the entire amount of all delinquent payments collected shall be remitted to the court and shall not be reduced by any collection costs or fees: Provided, however, That the collection fee may not exceed 25 percent of the delinquent payment amount. The clerk may send notices, electronically or by mail, to remind an individual of an upcoming or missed payment.
(e)(1) If a person does not enroll in a payment plan and does not pay their costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed within 180 days from the date of judgement, the clerk may assess a $10 late fee. The clerk shall notify the person that he or she is 180 days past due, has not enrolled in a payment plan, has received a $10 late fee, and may have a judgment lien recorded against him or her and have his or her debt sent to collections if not resolved within 30 days.
(2) If after an additional 30 days, a payment has not been received, the clerk may record a judgement lien as described in subsection (f) of this section or transmit notice to a private collection agency or private attorney authorized under §14-1-18c of this code or to an internal collection division to collect any delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties, or both: Provided, That the entire amount of all delinquent payments collected shall be remitted to the court and shall not be reduced by any collection costs or fees: Provided, however, That the collection fee may not exceed 25 percent of the delinquent payment amount.
(f) To record a judgement lien, the clerk shall If costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties imposed by
the municipal court upon conviction of a person for a criminal offense as
defined in §17B-3-3c of this code are not paid in full within 180 days of the
judgment, the municipal court clerk or, upon a judgment rendered on appeal, the
circuit clerk shall notify the
prosecuting attorney of the county of nonpayment and shall provide the
prosecuting attorney with an abstract of judgment. The prosecuting attorney
shall file the abstract of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county
commission in the county where the defendant was convicted and in any county
wherein the defendant resides or owns property. The clerks of the county
commissions shall record and index these abstracts of judgment without charge
or fee to the prosecuting attorney and when so recorded, the amount stated to
be owed in the abstract shall constitute a lien against all property of the
defendant: Provided, That when all the costs, fines, fees, forfeitures,
restitution or penalties for which an abstract of judgment has been recorded
are paid in full, the clerk of the municipal court shall notify the prosecuting
attorney of the county of payment and provide the prosecuting attorney with a
release of judgment, prepared in accordance with the provisions of §38-12-1 of
this code, for filing and recordation pursuant to the provisions of this
subdivision. Upon receipt from the clerk, the prosecuting attorney shall file the
release of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county commission in each
county where an abstract of the judgment was recorded. The clerks of the county
commissions shall record and index the release of judgment without charge or
fee to the prosecuting attorney. notify
the Division of Motor Vehicles of the failure to pay: Provided, That
notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, for residents
of this state, the municipal court shall wait at least ninety days from the
date that all costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties are due in full before
notifying the Division of Motor Vehicles thereof: Provided, however,
That at the time the judgment is imposed, the judge shall provide the person
with written notice that failure to pay the same as ordered may result in the
withholding of any income tax refund due the licensee and shall result in the
suspension of the person’s license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in
this state and that the suspension could result in the cancellation of, the
failure to renew or the failure to issue an automobile insurance policy
providing coverage for the person or the person’s family: Provided further,
That the failure of the judge to provide notice does not affect the validity of
any suspension of the person’s license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle
in this state. For purposes of this section, payment shall be stayed during any
period an appeal from the conviction which resulted in the imposition of costs,
fines, forfeitures or penalties is pending.
(g) A person whose driver’s license was suspended before July 1, 2020, pursuant to this section solely for the nonpayment of costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties, if otherwise eligible, may apply to have his or her license reinstated: (1) Upon payment in full of all outstanding costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties and a reduced one-time $25 reinstatement fee paid to the Division of Motor Vehicles; or (2) upon enrolling in a payment plan, as described in this section, with the clerk and paying the $25 one-time administrative fee. Upon entering into a payment plan, the clerk shall provide a verification of enrollment to the Division of Motor Vehicles and to the person for submission to the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Division shall waive the reinstatement fee.
Upon notice, the
Division of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the person’s driver’s license or
privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state until such time that the
costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties are paid.
(b) Notwithstanding the
provisions of this section to the contrary, the notice of the failure to pay
costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties may not be given where the municipal
court, upon application of the person upon whom the costs, fines, forfeitures
or penalties were imposed filed prior to the expiration of the period within
which these are required to be paid, enters an order finding that the person is
financially unable to pay all or a portion of the costs, fines, forfeitures or
penalties: Provided, That where the municipal court, upon finding that
the person is financially unable to pay a portion of the costs, fines,
forfeitures or penalties, requires the person to pay the remaining portion, the
municipal court shall notify the Division of Motor Vehicles of the person’s
failure to pay if not paid within the period of time ordered by the court
(c) (h) If a
person charged with a criminal offense fails to appear or otherwise respond in
court, the municipal court clerk shall notify the Division of Motor Vehicles of
the failure to appear: Provided, That notwithstanding any other
provision of this code to the contrary, for residents of this state, the
municipal court clerk shall wait at least 90 days from the date of the person’s
failure to appear or otherwise respond before notifying the Division of Motor
Vehicles thereof. Upon notice, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the
person’s driver’s license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state
until such time that the person appears as required.
(d) On and after July 1,
2008, if the licensee fails to respond to the Division of Motor Vehicles order
of suspension within ninety days of receipt of the certified letter, the
municipal court of original jurisdiction shall notify the Tax Commissioner that
the licensee has failed to pay the costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties
assessed by the court or has failed to respond to the citation. The notice
provided by the municipal court to the Tax Commissioner must include the
licensee’s Social Security number. The Tax Commissioner, or his or her
designee, shall withhold from any personal income tax refund due and owing to a
licensee the costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties due to the municipality,
the Tax Commissioner’s administration fee for the withholding and any and all
fees that the municipal court would have collected had the licensee appeared: Provided,
That the Tax Commissioner’s administration fee may not exceed $25: Provided,
however, That the Tax Commissioner may change this maximum amount
limitation for this fee for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2008, by
legislative rule promulgated in accordance with the provisions of article
three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code: Provided further, That the
administrative fees deducted shall be deposited in the special revolving fund
hereby created in the State Treasury, which shall be designated as the
Municipal Fines and Fees Collection Fund, and the Tax Commissioner shall make
such expenditures from the fund as he or she deems appropriate for the
administration of this subsection. After deduction of the Tax Commissioner’s
administration fee, the Tax Commissioner shall remit to the municipality all
remaining amounts withheld pursuant to this section and the municipal court
shall distribute applicable costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties owed to the
municipality, the Regional Jail Authority Fund, the Crime Victims Compensation
Fund, the Community Corrections Fund, the Governor’s subcommittee on
law-enforcement training or any other fund or payee that may be applicable.
After the costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties are withheld, the Tax Commissioner
shall refund any remaining balance due the licensee. If the refund is not
sufficient to cover all the costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties being
withheld pursuant to this section, the Tax Commissioner’s administration fee
shall be retained by the Tax Commissioner and the remaining money withheld
shall be remitted by the Tax Commissioner to the municipality. The municipality
shall then allocate the money so remitted to the municipality in the following
manner: (1) Any costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties due to the municipality;
(2) seventy-five percent of the remaining balance shall be paid to the
appropriate Regional Jail Authority Fund; (3) fifteen percent of the remaining
balance shall be paid to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund; (4) six percent
of the remaining balance shall be paid into the Community Corrections Fund; and
(5) the final four percent shall be paid to the Governor’s subcommittee on
law-enforcement training. When the costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties
exceed the licensee’s income tax refund, the Tax Commissioner shall withhold
the remaining balance in subsequent years until such time as the costs, fines,
forfeitures or penalties owed are paid in full. The Tax Commissioner shall
remit the moneys that he or she collects to the appropriate municipality no
later than July 1, of each year. If the municipal court or the municipality
subsequently determines that any such costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties
were erroneously imposed, the municipality shall promptly notify the Tax
Commissioner. If the refunds have not been withheld and remitted, the Tax
Commissioner may not withhold and remit payment to the municipality and shall
so inform the municipality. If the refunds have already been withheld and
remitted to the municipality, the Tax Commissioner shall so inform the
municipality. In either event, all refunds for erroneously imposed costs,
fines, forfeitures or penalties shall be made by the municipality and not by
the Tax Commissioner.
(e) Rules and effective
date. –- The Tax Commissioner may promulgate such rules as may be useful or
necessary to carry out the purpose of this section and to implement the intent
of the Legislature, to be effective on July 1, 2008. Rules shall be promulgated
in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of
this code.
(f) On or before July 1,
2005, the municipal court may elect to reissue notice as provided in
subsections (a) and (c) of this section to the Division of Motor Vehicles for
persons who remain noncompliant: Provided, That the person was convicted
or failed to appear on or after January 1, 1993. If the original notification
cannot be located, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall accept an additional or
duplicate notice from the municipal court clerk
CHAPTER 17B. MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER’S LICENSES.
ARTICLE 3. CANCELLATION, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSES.
§17B-3-3a. Suspending
license for failure to pay fines or penalties imposed by magistrate court or
municipal respond or appear in court.
(a) The division shall suspend the license of any
resident of this state or the privilege of a nonresident to drive a motor
vehicle in this state upon receiving notice from a magistrate court or
municipal court of this state, pursuant to subsection (b), section two-a,
article three, chapter fifty of this code or subsection (b), section two-a,
article ten, chapter eight of this code, that such person has defaulted on the
payment of costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties which were imposed on the
person by the magistrate court or municipal court by judgment entered upon
conviction of any motor vehicle violation or that such person has failed to
respond or appear in court when charged with a motor vehicle violation.
(b) The magistrate court or municipal court shall
notify the division upon a default of payment as follows:
(1) For a resident of this state, after 180 days
following the date of judgment upon the conviction; or
(2) For a nonresident of this state, after eighty days
following the date of judgment upon the conviction
(c)(b) For the purposes of this section, §50-3-2a of this
code and §8-10-2a of this code, “motor vehicle violation” shall be defined as
any violation designated in chapters 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, or 17E of this code or
the violation of any municipal ordinance relating to the operation of a motor
vehicle for which the violation thereof would result in a fine or penalty: Provided,
That any parking violation or other violation for which a citation may be
issued to an unattended vehicle shall not be considered a motor vehicle
violation for the purposes of this section, §50-3-2a of this code, or §8-10-2a
of this code.
§17B-3-3c. Suspending
license for failure to pay fines or penalties imposed as the result of
criminal conviction or for failure to appear in court.
(a) The division shall
suspend the license of any resident of this state or the privilege of a
nonresident to drive a motor vehicle in this state upon receiving notice from a
circuit court, magistrate court, or municipal court of this state, pursuant to §50-3-2b
§8-10-2b or §62-4-17 of this code, that the person has defaulted on the
payment of costs, fines, forfeitures, penalties, or restitution imposed on the
person by the circuit court, magistrate court, or municipal court upon
conviction for any criminal offense by the date the court had required the
person to pay the same, or that the person has failed to appear in court
when charged with an criminal offense. For the purposes of this
section, §50-3-2b §8-10-2b or §62-4-17 of this code, “criminal offense”
shall be defined as any violation of the provisions of this code, or the
violation of any municipal ordinance, for which the violation of the offense
may result in a fine, confinement in jail, or imprisonment in a correctional
facility of this state: Provided, That any parking violation or other
violation for which a citation may be issued to an unattended vehicle shall not
be considered a criminal offense for the purposes of this section, §8-10-2b §50-3-2b
or §62-4-17 of this code.
(b) A copy of the order of
suspension shall be forwarded to the person by certified mail, return receipt
requested. No order of suspension becomes effective until 10 days after receipt
of a copy of the order. The order of suspension shall advise the person that
because of the receipt of notice of the failure to pay costs, fines,
forfeitures, or penalties, or the failure to appear, a presumption exists
that the person named in the order of suspension is the same person named in
the notice. The commissioner may grant an administrative hearing which
substantially complies with the requirements of the provisions §17C-5A-2 of
this code upon a preliminary showing that a possibility exists that the person
named in the notice of conviction is not the same person whose license is being
suspended. The request for hearing shall be made within 10 days after receipt
of a copy of the order of suspension. The sole purpose of this hearing shall be
for the person requesting the hearing to present evidence that he or she is not
the person named in the notice. In the event the commissioner grants an
administrative hearing, the commissioner shall stay the license suspension
pending the commissioner’s order resulting from the hearing.
(c) A suspension under this section and §17B-3-3a of this code will continue until the person provides proof of compliance from the municipal, magistrate, or circuit court and pays the reinstatement fee as provided in §17B-3-9 of this code. The reinstatement fee is assessed upon issuance of the order of suspension regardless of the effective date of suspension.
(d) Upon notice from an appropriate state official that the person is successfully participating in an approved treatment and job program as prescribed in §61-11-26a of this code and that the person is believed to be safe to drive, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall stay or supersede the imposition of any suspension under this section or §17B-3-3a of this code. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall waive the reinstatement fee established by the provisions §17B-3-9 upon receipt of proper documentation of the person’s successful completion of a program under §61-11-26a of this code and proof of compliance from the municipal, magistrate, or circuit court. The stay or supersedeas shall be removed by the Division of Motor Vehicles upon receipt of notice from an appropriate state official of a participant’s failure to complete or comply with the approved treatment and job program as established under §61-11-26a of this code.
Chapter 50. Magistrate Courts.
Article 3. Costs, Fines and Records.
§50-3-2a. Payment by electronic
payments, credit card payments, cash, money orders, or certified checks;
restitution; payment plan; failure to pay fines results in a late fee
and judgment liens.
(a) A magistrate court may
accept electronic payments, credit cards, cash, money order, or
certified check for in payment of all costs, fines, fees,
forfeitures, restitution, or penalties in accordance with rules promulgated by
the Supreme Court of Appeals. Any charges made by the credit company shall be
paid by the person responsible for paying the cost, fine, forfeiture or
penalty.
(b) If the following requirements are met, the magistrate clerk shall set up a payment plan for anyone owing costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed by the court, so long as, the person signs and files with the clerk, an affidavit, stating that he or she is financially unable to pay the costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed:
(1) A one-time $25 administrative processing fee shall be paid at the time the payment form is turned in or may be paid in no more than 5 equal monthly payment;
(2) A person must enroll in a payment plan no later than 180 calendar days after the date the court enters the order assessing the costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties; and
(3) If the person is incarcerated, he or she shall apply to the clerk for enrollment in a payment plan within 180 calendar days after release.
(c) The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals shall generate a uniform payment plan form and a uniform affidavit showing his or her inability to pay for use by individuals seeking to establish a payment plan. Each clerk shall use the uniform payment plan form and uniform affidavit form when establishing payment plans.
(b)(d)(1) Unless otherwise required by law, a magistrate
court may collect a portion of any costs, fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution
or penalties at the time the amount is imposed by the court so long as the
court requires the balance to be paid in accordance with a The payment plan shall
specify which specifies: (A) The number of payments to be made; (B)
the dates on which the payments are due; and (C) the amounts due
for each payment; (D) all acceptable
payment methods; and (E) the circumstances under which the person may receive a
late fee, have a judgement lien recorded against them, or have the debt sent to
collections for nonpayment.
(2) The monthly payment under the payment plan shall be calculated based upon all costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties owed within the court, and shall be two percent of the person’s annual net income divided by 12 or $10, whichever is greater.
(3) The court may review the reasonableness of the payment
plan, and may on its own motion or by petition, waive, modify, or convert the
outstanding costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties to community service if the
court determines that the individual has had a change in circumstances and is
unable to comply with the terms of the payment plan. The written agreement represents the minimum payments
and the last date those payments may be made. The obligor or the obligor’s
agent may accelerate the payment schedule at any time by paying any additional
portion of any costs, fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution or penalties.
(e)(1) The clerk may assess a $10 late fee each month if a person fails to comply with the terms of a payment plan and if any payment due is not received within 30 days after the due date, and the person: (1) Is not incarcerated; (2) has not brought the account current; (3) has not made alternative payment arrangements with the court; or (4) has not entered into a revised payment plan with the clerk before the due date.
(2) If after 90 days, a payment has not been received, the clerk may record a judgement lien as described in subsection (g) of this section or transmit notice to a private collection agency or private attorney authorized under §14-1-18c of this code or to an internal collection division to collect any delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties, or both: Provided, That the entire amount of all delinquent payments collected shall be remitted to the court and shall not be reduced by any collection costs or fees: Provided, however, That the collection fee may not exceed 25 percent of the delinquent payment amount. The clerk may send notices, electronically, or by mail, to remind an individual of an upcoming or missed payment.
(f)(1) If a person does not enroll in a payment plan and does not pay their costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed within 180 days from the date of judgement, the clerk may assess a $10 late fee. The clerk shall notify the person that he or she is 180 days past due, has not enrolled in a payment plan, has received a $10 late fee, and may have a judgment lien recorded against him or her and have his or her debt sent to collections if not resolved within 30 days.
(2) If after an additional 30 days, a payment has not been received, the clerk may record a judgement lien as described in subsection (g) of this section or transmit notice to a private collection agency or private attorney authorized under §14-1-18c of this code or to an internal collection division to collect any delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties, or both: Provided, That the entire amount of all delinquent payments collected shall be remitted to the court and shall not be reduced by any collection costs or fees: Provided, however, That the collection fee may not exceed 25 percent of the delinquent payment amount.
(g) To record a judgement lien, the clerk shall If costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties imposed by
the municipal court upon conviction of a person for a criminal offense as
defined in §17B-3-3c of this code are not paid in full within 180 days of the
judgment, the municipal court clerk or, upon a judgment rendered on appeal, the
circuit clerk shall notify the
prosecuting attorney of the county of nonpayment and shall provide the
prosecuting attorney with an abstract of judgment. The prosecuting attorney
shall file the abstract of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county
commission in the county where the defendant was convicted and in any county
wherein the defendant resides or owns property. The clerks of the county
commissions shall record and index these abstracts of judgment without charge
or fee to the prosecuting attorney and when so recorded, the amount stated to
be owed in the abstract shall constitute a lien against all property of the
defendant: Provided, That when all the costs, fines, fees, forfeitures,
restitution, or penalties for which an abstract of judgment has been recorded
are paid in full, the clerk of the municipal court shall notify the prosecuting
attorney of the county of payment and provide the prosecuting attorney with a
release of judgment, prepared in accordance with the provisions of §38-12-1 of
this code, for filing and recordation pursuant to the provisions of this
subdivision. Upon receipt from the clerk, the prosecuting attorney shall file
the release of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county commission in
each county where an abstract of the judgment was recorded. The clerks of the
county commissions shall record and index the release of judgment without
charge or fee to the prosecuting attorney.
(h) A person whose driver’s license was suspended before July 1, 2020, pursuant to this section solely for the nonpayment of costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties, if otherwise eligible, may apply to have his or her license reinstated: (1) Upon payment in full of all outstanding costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties and a reduced one-time $25 reinstatement fee paid to the Division of Motor Vehicles; or (2) upon enrolling in a payment plan, as described in this section, with the clerk and paying the $25 one-time administrative fee. Upon entering into a payment plan, the clerk shall provide a verification of enrollment to the Division of Motor Vehicles and to the person for submission to the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Division shall waive the reinstatement fee.
(c)(1) If any costs, fines, fees, forfeitures,
restitution or penalties imposed by the in a criminal case are not paid within
one hundred eighty days from the date of judgment and the expiration of any
stay of execution, the magistrate court clerk or, upon judgment rendered on
appeal, the circuit clerk shall notify the Commissioner of the Division of
Motor Vehicles of the failure to pay: Provided, That in a criminal case
in which a nonresident of this state is convicted of a motor vehicle violation
defined in section three-a, article three, chapter seventeen-b of this code,
the appropriate clerk shall notify the Division of Motor Vehicles of the failure
to pay within eighty days from the date of judgment and expiration of any stay
of execution. Upon notice, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall suspend any
privilege the person defaulting on payment may have to operate a motor vehicle
in this state, including any driver’s license issued to the person by the
Division of Motor Vehicles, until all costs, fines, fees, forfeitures,
restitution or penalties are paid in full. The suspension shall be imposed in
accordance with the provisions of section six, article three, chapter
seventeen-b of this code: Provided, That any person who has had his or
her license to operate a motor vehicle in this state suspended pursuant to this
subsection and his or her failure to pay is based upon inability to pay, may,
if he or she is employed on a full- or part-time basis, petition to the circuit
court for an order authorizing him or her to operate a motor vehicle solely for
employment purposes. Upon a showing satisfactory to the court of inability to
pay, employment and compliance with other applicable motor vehicle laws, the
court shall issue an order granting relief
(2)(i)(1) In
addition to the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, If any costs, fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution,
or penalties imposed or ordered by the magistrate court for a hunting violation
described in chapter 20 of this code are not paid within 180 days from the date
of judgment and the expiration of any stay of execution, the magistrate court
clerk or, upon a judgment rendered on appeal, the circuit clerk shall notify
the Director of the Division of Natural Resources of the failure to pay. Upon
notice, the Director of the Division of Natural Resources shall suspend any
privilege the person failing to appear or otherwise respond may have to hunt in
this state, including any hunting license issued to the person by the Division
of Natural Resources, until all the costs, fines, fees, forfeitures,
restitution, or penalties are paid in full.
(3)(2) In
addition to the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, If any
costs, fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution or penalties imposed or ordered by
the magistrate court for a fishing violation described in chapter 20 of this
code are not paid within 180 days from the date of judgment and the expiration
of any stay of execution, the magistrate court clerk or, upon a judgment
rendered on appeal, the circuit clerk shall notify the Director of the Division
of Natural Resources of the failure to pay. Upon notice, the Director of the
Division of Natural Resources shall suspend any privilege the person failing to
appear or otherwise respond may have to fish in this state, including any
fishing license issued to the person by the Division of Natural Resources,
until all the costs, fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution, or penalties are
paid in full.
(d)(j)(1) If a person charged with any criminal violation
of this code fails to appear or otherwise respond in court, the magistrate
court shall notify the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles thereof
within 90 days of the scheduled date to appear unless the person sooner appears
or otherwise responds in court to the satisfaction of the magistrate. Upon
notice, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall suspend any privilege the person
failing to appear or otherwise respond may have to operate a motor vehicle in
this state, including any driver’s license issued to the person by the Division
of Motor Vehicles, until final judgment in the case and, if a judgment of
guilty, until all costs, fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution, or penalties
imposed are paid in full. The suspension shall be imposed in accordance with
the provisions of §17B-3-6 of this code.
(2) In addition to the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, if a person charged with any hunting violation described in chapter 20 of this code fails to appear or otherwise respond in court, the magistrate court shall notify the Director of the Division of Natural Resources of the failure thereof within 15 days of the scheduled date to appear unless the person sooner appears or otherwise responds in court to the satisfaction of the magistrate. Upon notice, the Director of the Division of Natural Resources shall suspend any privilege the person failing to appear or otherwise respond may have to hunt in this state, including any hunting license issued to the person by the Division of Natural Resources, until final judgment in the case and, if a judgment of guilty, until all costs, fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution, or penalties imposed are paid in full.
(3) In addition to the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, if a person charged with any fishing violation described in chapter 20 of this code fails to appear or otherwise respond in court, the magistrate court shall notify the Director of the Division of Natural Resources of the failure thereof within 15 days of the scheduled date to appear unless the person sooner appears or otherwise responds in court to the satisfaction of the magistrate. Upon notice, the Director of the Division of Natural Resources shall suspend any privilege the person failing to appear or otherwise respond may have to fish in this state, including any fishing license issued to the person by the Division of Natural Resources, until final judgment in the case and, if a judgment of guilty, until all costs, fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution, or penalties imposed are paid in full.
(e)(k) In every criminal case which involves a
misdemeanor violation, a magistrate may order restitution where appropriate
when rendering judgment.
(f)(1) If all costs,
fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution or penalties imposed by a magistrate
court and ordered to be paid are not paid within 180 days from the date of
judgment and the expiration of any stay of execution, the clerk of the
magistrate court shall notify the prosecuting attorney of the county of
nonpayment and provide the prosecuting attorney with an abstract of judgment.
The prosecuting attorney shall file the abstract of judgment in the office of
the clerk of the county commission in the county where the defendant was
convicted and in any county wherein the defendant resides or owns property. The
clerks of the county commissions shall record and index the abstracts of
judgment without charge or fee to the prosecuting attorney and when so
recorded, the amount stated to be owing in the abstract shall constitute a lien
against all property of the defendant.
(2) When all the costs,
fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution or penalties described in subdivision (1)
of this subsection for which an abstract of judgment has been recorded are paid
in full, the clerk of the magistrate court shall notify the prosecuting
attorney of the county of payment and provide the prosecuting attorney with a
release of judgment, prepared in accordance with the provisions of §38-12-1 of
this code, for filing and recordation pursuant to the provisions of this
subdivision. Upon receipt from the clerk, the prosecuting attorney shall file
the release of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county commission in
each county where an abstract of the judgment was recorded. The clerks of the
county commissions shall record and index the release of judgment without
charge or fee to the prosecuting attorney.
(g)(l) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the
contrary, except as authorized by this section, payments of all costs, fines,
fees, forfeitures, restitution, or penalties imposed by the magistrate court in
civil or criminal matters shall be made in full. Partial payments of costs,
fines, fees, forfeitures, restitution, or penalties made pursuant to this
section shall be credited to amounts due in the following order:
(1) Regional Jail Fund;
(2) Worthless Check Payee;
(3) Restitution;
(4) Magistrate Court Fund;
(5) Worthless Check Fund;
(6) Per Diem Regional Jail Fee;
(7) Community Corrections Fund;
(8) Regional Jail Operational Fund;
(9) Law Enforcement Training Fund;
(10) Crime Victims Compensation Fund;
(11) Court Security Fund;
(12) Courthouse Improvement Fund;
(13) Litter Control Fund;
(14) Sheriff arrest fee;
(15) Teen Court Fund;
(16) Other costs, if any;
(17) Fine.
CHAPTER 62. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.
ARTICLE 4. RECOVERY OF FINES IN CRIMINAL CASES.
§62-4-17. Suspension of
licenses for failure to pay fines and costs or failure to appear in
court; payment plan; failure to pay fines will result in late fee and
judgment lien.
(a)(1) If costs, fines,
forfeitures, penalties or restitution imposed by the circuit court upon
conviction of a person for any criminal offense under this code are not paid in
full when ordered to do so by the court, the circuit clerk shall notify the
Division of Motor Vehicles of such failure to pay: Provided, That at the
time the judgment is imposed, the court shall provide the person with written
notice that failure to pay the same when ordered to do so shall result in the
suspension of such person’s license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in
this state and that such suspension could result in the cancellation of, the
failure to renew or the failure to issue an automobile insurance policy
providing coverage for such person or such person’s family: Provided,
however, That the failure of the court to provide such notice shall not
affect the validity of any suspension of such person’s license or privilege to
operate a motor vehicle in this state. For purposes of this section, such
period of time within which the person is required to pay shall be stayed
during any period an appeal from the conviction which resulted in the
imposition of such costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties is pending.
Upon such notice, the
Division of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the person’s driver’s license or
privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state until such time that the
costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties are paid.
If the following requirements are met, the circuit clerk shall set up a payment plan for anyone owing costs, fines, forfeitures, penalties, or restitution imposed by the circuit court for any criminal offense under this code, so long as, the person signs and files with the clerk, an affidavit, stating that he or she is financially unable to pay the costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed:
(1) A one-time $25 administrative processing fee shall be paid at the time the payment form is turned in or may be paid in no more than 5 equal monthly payments;
(2) A person must enroll in a payment plan no later than 180 calendar days after the date the court enters the order assessing the costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties; and
(3) If the person is incarcerated, he or she shall apply to the clerk for enrollment in a payment plan within 180 calendar days after release.
(b) The West
Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals shall generate a uniform payment plan form
and a uniform affidavit showing his or her inability to pay for use by
individuals seeking to establish a payment plan. Each clerk shall use the
uniform payment plan form and uniform affidavit form when establishing payment
plans. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions
of this section to the contrary, the notice of the failure to pay such costs,
fines, forfeitures or penalties shall not be given where the circuit court,
upon application of the person upon whom the same were imposed filed prior to
the expiration of the period within which the same are required to be paid,
enters an order finding that such person is financially unable to pay all or a
portion of the same: Provided, That where the circuit court, upon
finding that the person is financially unable to pay the full amount thereof,
requires the person to pay the remaining portion thereof, the circuit clerk
shall notify the Division of Motor Vehicles of such person’s failure to pay the
same if the same is not paid within the period of time ordered by such court
(2)(c)(1) The payment plan shall specify: (A) The number of additional
payments to be made; (B) the dates on which such payments are due; (C) the
amounts due for each payment on such dates; (D) all acceptable
payment methods; and (E) the circumstances under which the person may receive a
late fee, have a judgement lien recorded against them, or have the sent to
collections for nonpayment.
(2) The monthly payment under the payment plan shall be calculated based upon all costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties owed within the court, and shall be two percent of the person’s annual net income divided by 12 or $10, whichever is greater.
(3) The court may review the reasonableness of the payment plan, and may on its own motion or by petition, waive, modify, or convert the outstanding costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties to community service if the court determines that the individual has had a change in circumstances and is unable to comply with the terms of the payment plan.
(d)(1) The clerk may assess a $10 late fee each month if a person fails to comply with the terms of a payment plan and if any payment due is not received within 30 days after the due date, and the person: (1) Is not incarcerated; (2) has not brought the account current; (3) has not made alternative payment arrangements with the court; or (4) has not entered into a revised payment plan with the clerk before the due date.
(2) If after 90 days, a payment has not been received, the clerk may record a judgement lien as described in subsection (f) of this section or transmit notice to a private collection agency or private attorney authorized under §14-1-18c of this code or to an internal collection division to collect any delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties, or both: Provided, That the entire amount of all delinquent payments collected shall be remitted to the court and shall not be reduced by any collection costs or fees: Provided, however, That the collection fee may not exceed 25 percent of the delinquent payment amount. The clerk may send notices, electronically or by mail, to remind an individual of an upcoming or missed payment.
(e)(1) If a person does not enroll in a payment plan and does not pay their costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed within 180 days from the date of judgement, the clerk may assess a $10 late fee. The clerk shall notify the person that he or she is 180 days past due, has not enrolled in a payment plan, has received a $10 late fee, and may have a judgment lien recorded against him or her and have his or her debt sent to collections if not resolved within 30 days.
(2) If after an additional 30 days, a payment has not been received, the clerk may record a judgement lien as described in subsection (f) of this section or transmit notice to a private collection agency or private attorney authorized under §14-1-18c of this code or to an internal collection division to collect any delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties, or both: Provided, That the entire amount of all delinquent payments collected shall be remitted to the court and shall not be reduced by any collection costs or fees: Provided, however, That the collection fee may not exceed 25 percent of the delinquent payment amount.
(f) To record a judgement lien, the clerk shall If costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties imposed by
the municipal court upon conviction of a person for a criminal offense as
defined in §17B-3-3c of this code are not paid in full within 180 days of the
judgment, the municipal court clerk or, upon a judgment rendered on appeal, the
circuit clerk shall notify the
prosecuting attorney of the county of nonpayment and shall provide the
prosecuting attorney with an abstract of judgment. The prosecuting attorney
shall file the abstract of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county
commission in the county where the defendant was convicted and in any county
wherein the defendant resides or owns property. The clerks of the county
commissions shall record and index these abstracts of judgment without charge
or fee to the prosecuting attorney and when so recorded, the amount stated to
be owed in the abstract shall constitute a lien against all property of the
defendant: Provided, That when all the costs, fines, fees, forfeitures,
restitution, or penalties for which an abstract of judgment has been recorded
are paid in full, the clerk of the municipal court shall notify the prosecuting
attorney of the county of payment and provide the prosecuting attorney with a release
of judgment, prepared in accordance with the provisions of §38-12-1 of this
code, for filing and recordation pursuant to the provisions of this
subdivision. Upon receipt from the clerk, the prosecuting attorney shall file
the release of judgment in the office of the clerk of the county commission in
each county where an abstract of the judgment was recorded. The clerks of the
county commissions shall record and index the release of judgment without
charge or fee to the prosecuting attorney.
(g) A person whose driver’s license was suspended before July 1, 2020, pursuant to this section solely for the nonpayment of costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties, if otherwise eligible, may apply to have his or her license reinstated: (1) Upon payment in full of all outstanding costs, fines, forfeitures or penalties and a reduced one-time $25 reinstatement fee paid to the Division of Motor Vehicles: or (2) upon enrolling in a payment plan, as described in this section, with the clerk and paying the $25 one-time administrative fee. Upon entering into a payment plan, the clerk shall provide a verification of enrollment to the Division of Motor Vehicles and to the person for submission to the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Division shall waive the reinstatement fee.
(c)(h) If a
person charged with a criminal offense fails to appear or otherwise respond in
court after having received notice to do so, the court shall notify the
Division of Motor Vehicles thereof within 15 days of the scheduled date to
appear unless such person sooner appears or otherwise responds in court to the
satisfaction of the court. Upon such notice, the Division of Motor Vehicles
shall suspend the person’s driver’s license or privilege to operate a motor
vehicle in this state until such time that the person appears as required.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to eliminate the ability of a person’s driver’s license to be suspended for the failure to pay court fines and costs. The bill requires clerks to set up a payment plan for individuals unable to pay. The bill authorizes the clerks to assess late fees, record judgement liens, and use collection agencies or private attorneys to collect a delinquent debt. This bill shall be effective from July 1, 2020.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.
