Murphy v. City of Wrangell

OPINION

RABINO WITZ, Justice.

This appeal presents the question of whether a person imprisoned for refusal to pay a fine is entitled to “good time” reductions to his sentence.

Facts and Proceedings.

Steven K. Murphy was convicted, after a jury trial, of disposing of domestic waste-water on state lands without a permit. He was sentenced to thirty days imprisonment, all of which was suspended, and fined $1,000. After proceedings which were held in conformity with AS 12.55.051(a) 1 the magistrate entered a finding that Murphy intentionally refused to pay the fine despite his ability to do so. 2 As…