Information You Should Know About Your Ticket
Cases heard in Municipal Court are “Class C” misdemeanors. If a verdict of “guilty” is found, a fine will be assessed. In most cases the fine cannot exceed $500 plus “court costs” which remain the same whether you pay your fine or have a trial.
Plea Options
After you are issued a citation, you must enter a plea by the court date located at the bottom of your citation. Remember only the person who received the citation can enter a plea to the citation. Photo identification is required when you appear. You have three plea options:
No Contest – A plea of no contest means that you do not contest the violation filed against you and you are and you are waiving your right to a trial by judge or jury.
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 are waiving your right to a trial by judge or jury.
When you enter a plea of “No Contest” or “Guilty” plea, you may:
- Pay the fine specified for the violation (will result in a conviction and violaton reported on your driving record)
- Request Driving Safety Course (if eligible) – will result in a dismissal and will not go on your driving record
- Request Deferred Disposition (If eligible) – Will result in a special expense fee of $30 to be paid in addition to the fine. If terms are met violation(s) will be dismissed and violation will not be reported on your driving record.
- Request a monthly payment plan for the f/cost (A time payment fee of $15 is added to each case on the 31st date of judgement)
Not Guilty – A plea of not guilty means that you are informing the coiurt that you deny guilt to the violation in which you were accused. If you wish to enter a plea of not guilty, you must appear on your court date to make the request with the judge.