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 Friday in the City Building, 227 North Main Street (3rd floor)
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.
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.
