Court Procedures

Arraignment Procedure

Your first visit to the court will be for an arraignment. You must check in and let the bailiff know if you would like to speak to the city attorney or plead guilty.

After you check in with the bailiff, you must take a seat in the courtroom. Here you will wait for the city attorney to call you into an office to possibly seek a plea bargain. If you did not request to see the city attorney, you must wait for your turn to be called before the judge.

Entering a Plea

The judge will take the bench and advise you of your rights. When your name is called to appear, the judge will ask you to enter a plea to the charge(s) against you.

Upon a plea of not guilty, your case will be set for trial either by jury or to the court, depending on the nature of the charge (only certain violations qualify for a jury trial).

Sentences & Fines

Upon a plea of guilty or no contest, a sentence or penalty will be imposed by the judge. The judge may assess a fine or, in some cases, a jail sentence. The maximum fine in our court is $1,000; the maximum jail sentence is one year.

Fines are payable the evening of the court session. You may request an extension of time to be granted for two weeks. The court only accepts credit/debit (Visa, MC, Discover, and AMEX) cash, checks, or money orders as payment.

Attorneys

Please let the bailiff know if you are an attorney. Attorneys are seen first by the city attorney and then heard by the judge. The court does accept filings by fax at 303-438-3398.

Court Rules

While at the Municipal Court, please:

• Refrain from chewing gum or drinking beverages in the courtroom
• Refrain from reading newspapers, magazines, or other materials
• Remain seated and quiet until your case is called
• Turn off pagers and cell phones
• Wear appropriate attire including shirt and shoes

For More Information

For more information, please contact Court Administrator Kathi Husek at 303-762-2200.