§ 44-10-20 — Proceedings on trial of court case - Costs - Appeal

If the charge is tried by the court, it shall proceed as upon the trial of a civil action by the
court. The decision of the court or the verdict of the jury must be "guilty" or "not guilty". Costs
must be awarded as in a civil action. If the accused is found guilty, either by the decision of the
court or by the verdict of the jury, the court shall render judgment that the accused be removed
from office, and for the costs of the action. A statement of the case may be settled and an
appeal taken as provided by law in a civil action. The court in its discretion, if the accused is
found guilty, may award treble costs against the accused. If the court finds that the accusation
was made without probable cause, it must tax the costs of the prosecution and trial against the
complainant.