Which action does a capias pro fine enable?

• A. Seizing property
• B. Issuing new charges
• C. Arresting a defendant for nonpayment of a fine
• D. Detaining a juror

Answer: (C)

Capias pro fine is the court tool used to enforce payment of a criminal fine by arresting someone who has not paid and bringing them before the court to address the nonpayment. The purpose is to compel payment when other remedies have failed, by detaining the individual until the balance is paid or a payment plan is arranged. It is not a mechanism to seize property—that duty belongs to writs of execution after judgment. It does not authorize issuing new charges, which would create another offense rather than enforce payment. And it’s not about detaining jurors; jurors are subject to different procedures and protections. In short, the action is to arrest a defendant for nonpayment of a fine to secure compliance with the court’s financial penalty.