Massachusetts § 31 - Default warrants issued due to failure to pay fines, assessments, court costs, restitution, support payments, etc. to be noted in warrant management system

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 31 — Default warrants issued due to failure to pay fines, assessments, court costs, restitution, support payments, etc. to be noted in warrant management system, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31. Default warrants issued due to failure to pay fines, assessments, court costs, restitution, support payments, etc. to be noted in warrant management system

Section 31. Whenever a court issues a default warrant solely due to the person's failure to pay a fine, assessment, court cost, restitution, support payment or other amount as ordered by the court or required by law, the court shall specify the amount owed, including an additional assessment of $50 which assessment may be waived by the court upon a finding of good cause or upon a finding that such an assessment would cause a substantial financial hardship to the person, the person's immediate family or the person's dependents, with a statement that the warrant against the person may be discharged upon payment of the amount and the assessment, if any, and shall note the same in the warrant management system. The administrative office of the trial court shall accept payment of such fine, assessment, court cost, restitution, support payment or other amount as ordered by the court, along with any assessment, to be remitted by mail, telephone or other electronic means, in any form deemed acceptable by the trial court. Upon receipt of payment, the warrant against the person shall be discharged, the discharge shall be noted in the warrant management system and the individual shall receive notice of the discharge within seven days.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 31

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 31 cover?

Section 31 ("Default warrants issued due to failure to pay fines, assessments, court costs, restitution, support payments, etc. to be noted in warrant management system") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 31?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 31" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 31 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.