Missouri v. Wright

Wright pled guilty to misdemeanor offenses of stealing and resisting arrest. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail and to pay costs including a Board Bill of $1358.28. Wright brought a claim challenging whether the Board Bill can be taxed as court costs.

Holding

No item may be taxed as costs unless specifically so provided by statute. The case was remanded to Circuit Court to retax the costs and remove the board bill because Missouri law does not permit the Board Bill to be taxed as a court cost. The Court found that board bills are surcharges and are subject to a different collection procedure under Missouri law.

You can read relevant court documents here.