Your Rights

You have many rights as a defendant in municipal court.  In a criminal case, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to represent yourself (as a Pro Se defendant) or pay a lawyer to represent you.

Appearing Remotely

Appearing remotely allows the defendant to:

• Enter a Plea of Not Guilty and request a trial by judge or trial by jury;
• Enter a plea of guilty or no contest.  Defendants who plead Guilty or No Contest via the remote appearance have the same opportunities for payment plans, driver safety courses, or deferred disposition.  These options are also available on-line and no appearance is required;
• Request an extension of the due dates established by a previous judgement;
• Appear in response to the Show Cause Order; and
• Seek resolution of outstanding warrants.

Your rights during trial

• You have the right to a jury trial or a trial before a judge;
• You have the right to examine the evidence (called discovery);
• You have the right to hear all testimony introduced against you;
• You have the right to cross-examine witnesses who testify against you;
• You have the right to present evidence and call witnesses to testify on your behalf;
• You have the right to testify on your own behalf or remain silent; and
• You have the right to request that the court consider alternatives to payment if you are convicted and unable to immediately pay the fine and court costs.

 Note:  If you need the services of an interpreter, please notify the court prior to your trial.