Evans v. Copins

OPINION

HOWARD, Chief Judge.

Is a judicial officer cloaked with judicial immunity when he wrongfully incarcerates a person convicted of a traffic offense?

That is the issue to be resolved in this case.

Appellant appeared before the appellee city magistrate in connection with a traffic violation. She was not represented by counsel. After a bench trial appellee Cop-ins found her guilty and sentenced her to pay a fine.

Appellant told the magistrate she could not pay a fine and stated she desired to appeal. She did not, however, file with the city court a written notice of appeal. The magistrate then…