Dispute Citation

Entering a Plea of Not Guilty

• A plea of "not guilty" means that you deny guilt and require the State to prove the offense filed against you.
• A plea of "not guilty" does not waive any of your rights.  It does not prevent a plea of "guilty" or "no contest" at a later time.
• You need to decide if you will hire an attorney to represent you or if you will represent yourself.

Rights as a Defendant

You have many rights as a defendant at a Municipal Court: 

• Under our American system of justice, all persons are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
• The State must prove you’re guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” of the offense with which you are charged.
• Every criminal defendant has the right to remain silent and refuse to testify (without consequences).
• You have the right to retain an attorney and have them try your case or answer your questions.
• Since offenses in this court are punishable only by fine and not by incarceration, you do not have the right to appointed counsel.
• You have the right to a jury trial. You may waive a jury trial and have a trial before the judge, commonly called a “bench trial.”
• If you elect to represent yourself, no person other than an attorney can assist you during a trial.

How to Enter a Plea of Not Guilty and Request a Pre-trial Hearing

• At your scheduled Arraignment hearing in front of the Judge.
• At the Court window before your scheduled court date.
• By filling out the form below prior to your scheduled court date.