This can be done on your initial court date (the court date on your ticket.)
This can also be done any time that the Clerk of Court office is open prior to your initial court date.
Your initial court date will not be your trial date.
The Clerk of Court staff will set a trial date.
The Court will automatically issue a subpoena to the police officer or person who filed the charge.
If you want a witness to come to court for the trial, you must file a request with the Clerk of Court for a subpoena to be issued. This request must be filed at least seven days prior to the trial.
When you appear on your trial date you do not need to check in with the Clerk of Court office. You will simply need to sign in on the sign-in sheet in the courtroom. Your name will be called when the Court is ready to hear your case.
The trial process is:
Opening statements by both sides.
The prosecution presents its case.
You will be given an opportunity to cross-examine any prosecution witnesses.
You will present your defense.
The prosecution will be given the opportunity to cross-examine any defense witnesses.
Each side will then present a closing argument.
The Mayor then makes a finding of guilty or not guilty.
Court costs are only assessed if you are found guilty.