Contact Us
Donnie Hamilton, City Judge
227 North Main, 3rd floor
New Castle, IN 47362
New Castle, IN 47362
View Map- Telephone Number: 765-521-6802
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More Information
City Court
Donnie Hamilton
City Court Judge
You may reach the City Court Judge or Clerk by calling
765-521-7395 ext. 3067
The Court hears cases regarding traffic violations and city code/ordinance violations. When a person admits to guilt the fines and court costs are assessed. In some cases an order to remedy the violation within a certain time frame is required.
City Court convenes at 1:00 pm each Monday in the City Building, 227 North Main Street (3rd floor). It is the Judge's discretion to hear any classification of cases on any Monday regardless of the stipulated classification listed below:
- 1st Monday of the month is for county cases
- 2nd Monday of the month is for Animal Control ordinance violations
- 3rd Monday of the month is for Building Inspector violations
- 4th Monday of the month is for Traffic violations
- 5th Monday of the month there is no court
A person will appear in the City Court when he/she has received a citation and has not satisfied the fines or required actions of the citation in the allotted time allowed. When the time limit is expired, the City Court is notified and an order to appear on the appropriate Wednesday is issued. When the person appears before court, he/she has the opportunity to plead "guilty", "not guilty" or "no contest".
"Guilty" means that the person is admitting to the violation. When a person admits to guilt the fines and court costs are assessed. In some cases an order to remedy the violation within a certain time frame is also required.
"Not guilty" means that the person does not admit to the violation. When a person pleads not guilty a trial is scheduled, usually in one month. At that time the person may make a case for him/herself or bring representation to assist him/her. Witnesses are also allowed. When all the evidence is presented the judge makes a judgment on the case.
"No contest" means that the person does not admit to guilt, but is willing to pay the fine. When a person admits to no contest the fines and court costs are assessed. In some cases an order to remedy the violation within a certain time frame is also required. The difference between a plea of guilty and no contest is that the person does not admit the guilt, but still accepts the consequences.
If a person chooses not to appear after two orders to do so, a Body Attachment may be issued. In this case, the person will be picked up and put in jail until a bond of $250.00 is paid. The person then appears in court and all fines and court costs are deducted from the bond. Any remainder is then sent back to the person in form of a check sent through the mail. If any additional fines or court costs are due, the person must pay the amount owed.
Governing & Finance
As an elected official, the City Court Judge establishes the budget for and has sole responsibility for operation of the office. Funding for the operation of this office comes from the general fund and appropriations are subject to City Council approval.
