Appearing in Court

The law requires that you (and/or your attorney) appear in Court in person for your case. If you are 16 years old or younger, see the Juvenile information section. If you are under 18 and charged with an alcohol-related offense, see Alcohol.

Your first appearance is to determine what plea you will enter in your case. If you plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), you may wish to reveal any extenuating circumstances that you want the judge to consider when setting your fine.

If you pled not guilty, the Court will schedule a pretrial date and a jury trial date. You may waive your right to a jury trial. If you do, the trial will take place before a judge. In all criminal trials, the State must prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt of the alleged offense charged in the complaint.