33-1001. Priority of claims for current wages owed by owner of property under levy

A. When a levy is made under execution, attachment or other similar writ, except when the writ is issued in an action under this article, a miner, mechanic, salesman, servant or laborer who has a claim against the defendant for labor performed may give notice of his claim, sworn to and stating the amount thereof, to the creditor, defendant debtor and the officer executing the writ, at any time within three days before sale of the property levied upon. The officer shall file the claim with the clerk of the court issuing the writ, and unless the claim is disputed by the debtor or creditor before sale, the officer shall pay the claimant from the proceeds of the sale the amount claimant is entitled to receive for such services rendered within sixty days next preceding the levy of the writ, not exceeding two hundred dollars to each claimant. Upon failure of the officer to do so, he shall be liable to the claimant therefor.

B. The claim may be disputed by the debtor or creditor, or any lienholder, in writing, specifying the reasons for disputing it, verified and delivered to the officer before the sale, and shall be filed in the court issuing the writ. The officer shall pay all claims not disputed from the first money received. If the total amount of all claims presented exceeds the amount derived from the sale, the officer shall pay to the holders of the undisputed claims their pro rata share of the money and shall pay the pro rata amount of the disputed claims, together with an amount for costs as the court orders, into court. The court shall cite all parties interested to appear, and in a summary manner determine the validity of the disputed claims and direct the manner in which the officer shall distribute the proceeds of the sale.