When a defendant appears pursuant to section one, article ten, chapter sixty-two of the Code of West Virginia, if the magistrate, upon hearing the parties, decides that there is not good cause for the complaint, the magistrate shall discharge the defendant, and may grant judgment in the defendant's favor and against the complainant for the defendant's costs. If the magistrate decides there is good cause for the complaint, he or she may grant judgment for the complainant and may require a bond of the person against whom the judgment is granted. The magistrate may then enter a judgment against the defendant for the full costs of the prosecution, or any part thereof. If the defendant violates the conditions of the bond, he or she may be fined not more than $250. If the defendant fails to pay the fine imposed, the magistrate granting the judgment under this section for costs may, pursuant to article four, chapter thirty-eight of the Code of West Virginia issue a writ of execution on the defendant's personal property. A person from whom a bond is required may, upon the imposition of the bond, appeal the judgment to the circuit court of the county in which the judgment was granted.

Terms Used In West Virginia Code 62-10-3

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Judgment: includes decrees and orders for the payment of money, or the conveyance or delivery of land or personal property, or some interest therein, or any undertaking, bond or recognizance which has the legal effect of a judgment. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.