Court Appearances

If you were issued a citation, the law requires you to contact the court within 11 days from the date the citation was issued.  If you have been released on bond you still must contact the court for a court date.  You or your attorney may appear in court in person or by mail.  No other person may make an appearance on your behalf. 

A citation cannot be handled over the telephone.  A phone call does not constitute an appearance.

The reason for contacting the court is to determine your plea.  If you plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) and waive your right to a jury trial you may pay your fine or request to see the Judge about extenuating circumstances surrounding the citation.  Please note that the Judge is not required to reduce any fine. 

If you wish to plead not guilty, the court will schedule you for a pre-trial hearing, then a trial before the Judge, unless you request a trial by jury.  Your court date and time will be mailed to you by the Municipal Court Clerk.  Please be sure and give correct address information to the Officer who writes your citation.   

WARNING:  Failure to contact the court within 11 days from the date of the citation, or Failure To Appear in court when you have requested a court date, may result in an additional charge of Failure To Appear or Violation of Written Promise to Appear  and a warrant subsequently being issued for your arrest.  You will also be denied the renewal of your driver’s license.  At that time additional fines and fees will be assessed.

 Failure to appear for your scheduled hearing time without adequate reason may constitute Failure to Appear and a warrant may be issued as a result. All participants are required to wear court appropriate clothing.