Court Clerk

The Clerk handles all of the court documents and money paid to the Court for fines and costs. The Clerk processes all warrants, summons, subpoenas, continuances, and motions. The Clerk also notifies the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of all convictions, points and suspensions.

Most Minor Misdemeanor traffic charges have the option of paying a fine instead of going to Court. An example of an offense includes speeding less than 31 miles an hour over the posted speed limit. To find out the amount of fines and costs, please call the Clerk of Court. Fines can be paid prior to the Arraignment Hearing by admitting guilt and paying the total amount of fines and costs. Payments can be made in person to the Clerk or by mail via cash, check, or money order in the exact amount due. Please do not mail cash.

The remaining Minor Misdemeanor and Fourth Degree Misdemeanor charges, plus all Third, Second, and First Degree Misdemeanor charges require a Court appearance. Examples of offenses include operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OMVI) and driving under suspension.

This serves as the first opportunity for the Defendant to see someone about his/her case. At this time, the Defendant will be allowed to enter a plea to the charges. Pleas that can be entered are: Guilty, No Contest, or Not Guilty. All Defendants are advised of their rights to have an Attorney represent them, or they may chose to represent themselves. The right to representation by an Attorney may be used at any time during the process and at any hearings.

If a Defendant pleads not guilty at his/her Arraignment, a later date will be set for the trial. On Trial Night, the Prosecutor will present any evidence and call any witnesses to prove the case. The Defendant will then have an opportunity to present his/her own evidence and witnesses to prove that he/she is not guilty. All Defendants have the right to be represented by an Attorney at this and any subsequent hearings.

If a Defendant fails to appear after a notice has been issued, a warrant for his/her arrest will be issued by the Court. This document allows the Division of Police to pick up the Defendant and place him/her in jail pending a Court Arraignment Hearing or until the proper amount of bond has been posted. More Court costs are assessed as a result of this warrant.