Harrell v. State

In this case, we examine whether a court order directing prison officials to withdraw money from an inmate trust account is a civil or criminal matter and, if civil, what process is due an inmate when such an order is issued. We conclude that proceedings under Government Code section 501.014(e) to recover court fees and costs assessed against inmates are civil in nature and not part of the underlying criminal case. Such post-judgment collection efforts are designed to reimburse the State, not to punish the inmate, and due process is satisfied if the inmate receives notice and the opportunity…