Court Appearance and Plea Information

PSF

We are asking that ALL appearances be made by email or by paying on our online website.  Cases that require an appearance will scheduled virtually.  You will still need to contact the court about your appearance so that we can schedule your hearing.

You appearance date is 10 business days from
date of violation or citation.

Appearances CANNOT be made by telephone. You can appear in person, by mail, by fax, by email (email address HAS to have the defendant’s name on the email) or ONLINE with payment.

The Municipal Court accepts cash (IN PERSON ONLY), checks, money orders, and credit cards. Credit card payments can be taken over the telephone or paid ONLINE

If you are unsure of your court date, you can go to PAY ONLINE to check your due date.

Court Appearance REQUIRED on the following violations. Contact the Court to schedule an appointment with the Judge or a hearing with the Prosecutor:

  • Alcohol violations for minors (21 and younger) defendants under the age of 18 at the time of violation MUST appear with a parent or guardian
  • Minor in Possession of Tobacco
  • Public Intoxication
  • Theft under $50
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Assault by contact involving family violence
  • All violations for a Juvenile defendant (under the age of 17 at the time of the violation)

If you fail to respond in person or writing to the charge(s) by your appearance date, an additional charge and fine may be filed against you for Failure to Appear or Violate Promise to Appear, warrants may be issued for your arrest and a hold placed on your driver’s license renewal. By mail, your plea must be postmarked by your appearance date.

PLEA INFORMATION

On a plea of not guilty, a formal trial will be held. As in all criminal trials, the State is required to prove the guilt of the defendant "beyond a reasonable doubt". Your decision concerning which plea to enter is very important. You should read the following explanation of the three types of pleas and think carefully before making your decision.

If you plead guilty or no contest in open court, you should be prepared to pay the fine in full or request other arrangements.

Plea of Guilty

By entering a plea of guilty you admit that the act is prohibited by law, that you committed the act charged, and that you have no defense or excuse for your act. A plea of guilty may be used against you in a civil suit if there was a traffic accident. 

Plea of Nolo contendere (no contest)

A plea of no contest means that you do not contest the state’s charge against you. A plea of no contest cannot be used against you in a subsequent civil suit for damages.

Plea of Not Guilty

 A plea of not guilty means that you are informing the Court that you deny guilt or that you have a good defense for your case. If you plead not guilty, you will need to decide whether to hire an attorney to represent you.
TRIAL PROCESS 

Virtual Tools

Helpful Information for Remote Hearings

JOIN a scheduled Zoom Hearing

Zoom Court Rules


  1. Keep in mind, while this is an unconventional method for a hearing, it is still a formal court proceeding and all parties will be expected to dress and act accordingly.
  2. Valid email addresses for all parties and attorneys should be submitted to the Court Clerk at least 24 hours prior to scheduled hearing.
  3. All online hearings will be broadcast live to the public on our youtube channel.  RECORDING OF THE COURTS YOUTUBE CHANNEL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.