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1. Who can I talk to about my case?

- Concerns about the actions of a police officer should be taken up with the Police Department. However, they will not comment on the validity of the ticket/charge nor will they take legal action on your behalf (such as voiding the ticket).
- The Court Clerk will be happy to explain the court's rules and procedures or give other general information that you may need. He/she cannot give legal advice nor discuss particulars of the case with persons not directly involved.
- Questions about plea bargains, reduction of charge, sentencing alternatives, etc. should be taken up with the prosecutor at the time of hearing.

2. Can I speak with the Judge before my court date?

- No, it would be unethical for the judge to hear only one side of the case without the other side present.

3. Can I pay my ticket before coming to court?

- If the officer has written a fine amount on the ticket, you may pay the fine any time before the court appearance date. You may in person with cash, check/money order or credit card; mail in the payment (along with the ticket) or pay by credit card over the phone.

4. Can I get an extension of a court date or payment?

- The clerks have the authority to grant extensions or continuance in some cases.
- If you have set up a payment plan and are having difficulty making your payments you should contact the court clerk to see if other arrangements can be made.

5. Can I pay my fine in installments?

- If you are charged with a simple traffic infraction you may sign a payment agreement in the clerk's office without going to court.
- If you are convicted of a misdemeanor the judge may authorize payment arrangements.

6. What are the administrative fees and why must I pay them?

- In addition to the fine, state and local governments have assessed different charges that are payable into separate government funds.
- By law the judge cannot waive these fees, although they will only be charged once for each incident.

7. What happens in the different court hearings?

Arraignment
For the reading of the charge and taking of a plea. If the defendant pleads guilty the judge will pass sentence or refer the matter to the court services officer for pre-sentence investigation. No evidence or testimony is given at this time. If the defendant pleads not guilty the matter will be set for trial.

Trial
A case is presented by the City and the defendant according to the rules of evidence. The judge will make a decision of guilty or not guilty based on the evidence presented and applicable laws.

Matters Pending
These are matters that do not require a decision of guilty or not guilty. Matters include review of PSI reports, sentencing, assignment of court appointed attorneys, etc.

8. Do I need an attorney?

- This is a personal decision. Professional legal counsel will represent the City. Some traffic and criminal matters heard by the court are misdemeanors and carry possible jail time if the defendant is convicted. A defendant wishing to defend him/herself in these matters must sign a document known as a Waiver of Counsel. This will usually be done at time of plea.

9. How do I get a court appointed attorney?

You must meet the following requirements:
- The charge must carry possible jail time.
- You must show a good faith effort to obtain an attorney.
- You must fill out an Affidavit of Indigency. This is a sworn statement of your income, expenses, property and net worth.
- The judge will make his decision to appoint an attorney based on this information. When you are appointed an attorney you will be given his/her name and instructions on how to meet with him/her.

10. What happens if I miss a court date?

- The judge has the authority to issue a warrant for the arrest of any person who willfully fails to appear in court.
- Generally speaking:Failure to appear on a traffic infraction will result in a formal summons being issued. Subsequent failure to appear will result in suspension of driving privileges.- If the defendant is under bond, the bond will be forfeited automatically and a warrant will be issued.
- Failure to appear for trial will also result in the automatic issuance of a warrant.

11. Am I allowed to attend court is I do not have a case on the docket?

- All court hearing are open to the general public and any interested persons may attend. If a group of people plan to attend, such as a Scout Troop, the person in charge is encouraged to contact the court clerk beforehand so that he can ensure adequate seating etc. The judge might also be available to answer general questions about the court.