§ 16-17-221 - Improper use of process -- Granting privileges -- Failure to report or pay over fines -- Penalty. - Arkansas Statutes

16-17-221. Improper use of process -- Granting privileges -- Failure to report or pay over fines -- Penalty.

(a) Any district judge who makes use, directly or indirectly, of the process of his or her own court, either as a party litigant or in interest or as an attorney or agent for any party litigant or in interest, or who offers or gives by way of remission of fees or otherwise any pecuniary inducements to the institution or maintenance of any suits, prosecutions, or proceedings in his or her court and any sheriff, constable, police chief, or district court clerk who fails to report or pay over fines, penalties, forfeitures, fees, or costs collected by him or her shall be guilty of a violation and upon conviction for each of such offenses shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).

(b) A conviction under this section shall work a forfeiture of office.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, sheriffs and constables may retain the fees and costs due them out of each cause.