Opinion ID: 2506946
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Jurkovich v. Magistrate of Roane County

Text: Mr. and Mrs. Jurkovich instituted a civil action against their landlord, Mr. Clark Crider, seeking compensation for the loss of use of rental premises due to flea infestation, allegedly caused by pets of a neighboring tenant. Subsequent to the filing of a counterclaim and a separate action by Mr. Crider claiming damages to the rental unit, Mr. Crider was awarded $1,298.60. Mr. and Mrs. Jurkovich sought to appeal the magistrate court determination to the Circuit Court of Roane County. Prior to the initiation of their civil action, Mr. and Mrs. Jurkovich had filed a financial affidavit pursuant to West Virginia Code § 59-2-1 and had been permitted to proceed in forma pauperis, waiving the requirement for payment of a magistrate court filing fee. However, upon their attempt to appeal, they were informed by court personnel that they would be required to pay the $146.00 filing fee to appeal from magistrate court to circuit court. Mr. and Mrs. Jurkovich now seek a writ of mandamus to compel the Magistrate Court of Roane County to allow them to file an appeal without the payment of circuit court filing fees.