1. At the date and time specified, the court docket will be called to determine the cases to be presented.  BE ON TIME!  Failure to do so may result in a fine for Contempt of Court or a warrant of arrest for Failure to Appear in Court to be issued.
  2. When your case is called, you and/or your attorney may move to the front of the courtroom.

  3. The Judge will ask you to enter a plea on the charge(s) against you.  You may plead: 

  • Not Guilty to the offense as charged

  • Nolo Contendere or No Contest

  • Guilty to the offense

Your plea will determine the procedures to be followed.  If you plead guilty or nolo contendere, the Judge will find you guilty and assess your fine.  If you plead not guilty, trial before Judge, this will be a pre-trial hearing and you may present preliminary motions to be considered by the Court.  Your actual trial before the Judge will be held on the next scheduled court date.  If you plead not guilty, trial before jury, this will be a plea hearing only.  You will be scheduled to appear on the next scheduled court date for a pre-trial hearing at which time you may bring any pre-trial motions you wish the Court to consider.  At this time you will be rescheduled for a trial date for your jury trial.

  1. At the time of your trial, you and/or your attorney and witnesses will move to the front of the courtroom when called.
  2. All witnesses to testify in your case will be sworn in by the Judge.
  3. The prosecutor will present to the Judge or Jury the case against you. He may produce witnesses to testify and other evidence to prove the allegations.
  4. You may cross-examine all witnesses' testimony and/or evidence presented by the prosecutor.  This is done by asking questions for the witness to answer. 
  5. After the prosecutor completes his presentation, you may present witnesses (including yourself) for testimony and/or other evidence you wish the court to consider.  This is your opportunity to present your side of the case.
  6. The prosecutor may cross-examine all witnesses' testimony and/or evidence presented in your defense.

  7. Both sides will present a summation of final arguments.

  8. The Judge will give instructions to the Jury as to its responsibility as provided by law.

  9. The Judge or Jury will consider the evidence and make a decision on the verdict.  If a verdict of guilty is found, a fine will be assessed.  Only the facts and circumstances of the case affect the amount of fine assessed by the Court.  Mitigating or extenuating circumstances may lower the fine even if you are guilty.  On the other hand, aggravating circumstances may increase the fine.   Fines in traffic cases will not exceed $200 plus court costs.