What cost may a municipal judge assess when a city police officer travels to serve municipal court warrants or capiases?

• A. The judge may assess all necessary and reasonable expenses for meals and lodging incurred by peace officer and 29 cents a mile for travel.
• B. Only lodging expenses.
• C. A flat travel allowance of $15.
• D. No travel costs are assessable.

Answer: (A)

When a municipal judge sets costs, the rule recognizes that peace officers may incur travel-related expenses in the course of serving warrants or capiases, and those costs can be recovered as part of the court costs. The option that fits this idea allows the judge to assess all necessary and reasonable expenses for meals and lodging, plus a reimbursement for travel at the standard rate of 29 cents per mile. This combination ensures officers aren’t personally bearing the costs of performing their duties tied to the court’s orders, and it uses a common mileage rate for travel.

The other possibilities don’t fit because they either omit meals, omit mileage, or propose a flat or no travel cost, which wouldn’t fully reflect the authorized travel expenses associated with serving process.