If a defendant fails to pay a fine and misses judgment, which order may be issued?

• A. Capias
• B. Writ of Attachment
• C. Arrest Warrant
• D. Capias Pro Fine

Answer: (D)

When a defendant fails to pay a court-imposed fine and does not appear or comply with the judgment, the appropriate tool is a capias pro fine. This specialized writ is issued to direct law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them before the court so the fine and any associated costs can be addressed and enforced. It specifically targets nonpayment of fines, making it the correct remedy in this scenario.

This differs from a general capias, which is issued for failing to appear or to bring a person to court for various reasons, not solely for unpaid fines. A writ of attachment focuses on seizing property or assets to satisfy a judgment, rather than compelling a person to pay. An arrest warrant is a broad order that can cover criminal charges or other reasons to arrest, not necessarily tied to nonpayment of fines.