You have 20 business days after getting a ticket to enter an appearance in court. If you wish to enter a plea of Not Guilty and request a trial by a judge or jury, the case will be scheduled for a mandatory pre-trial hearing that you must attend. You can submit your request in person, by mail, or online.
All participants in a court proceeding must follow the rules of decorum established by the court. Among other things:
Appropriate attire is required in the courtroom whether an individual appears virtually or in person. No shorts, miniskirts, hats, t-shirts, or tank tops of any kind are permitted.
Access to the courtroom will be limited to persons who have been screened for security purposes.
Audio or video recording is prohibited inside the courtroom.
Electronic devices must be turned off or placed in silent mode.
Food, gum, and any beverage are not allowed in the courtroom.
Participants are expected to be respectful to the judge, court staff, and others in the courtroom. Any person who disturbs the court proceedings may be asked to leave.
If a defendant fails to appear for a scheduled court date, a warrant of arrest will be issued immediately. Defendants will be then required to post a cash bond to clear the warrant/s. An additional charge of Failure to Appear may also be filed.
A motion for continuance must be in writing and must be filed as soon as practicable before the court date unless there is a showing of good cause. Motions received on the day of the scheduled court date will not be granted unless good cause is shown.
A defendant who is 16 years of age or younger will be required to appear with their parent/guardian before the municipal judge.
A child and parent required to appear before the Municipal Court have an obligation to provide the court in writing with the current address and residence of the child. The obligation does not end when the child reaches age 17. Within 1 week of changing residence, the child or parent shall notify the court of the new address. A violation of this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor and may result in arrest. The obligation to provide notice terminates on discharge and satisfaction of the judgment or final disposition not requiring a finding of guilt.