This may be your first visit to this court, and it is our wish that you are fully aware of your rights and the court procedures. The primary purpose of the initial appearance is for you to enter your plea to the alleged violation(s) of the law.
Check in before the scheduled appearance time listed on your citation if you wish to appear, or if your appearance is mandatory. Order of appearance is determined on a "first come first served" basis. Be prepared to enter a plea. Proceed as directed when your name is called.
Listed below are your plea options:
No Contest
If you enter a plea of no contest it means that you do not wish to contest the charge(s) against you. The Judge will find you guilty upon your plea entry of no contest. A plea of no contest cannot be used as evidence again you in a civil suit for damages. If your appearance is not required and you wish to submit a plea of no contest via email, you may do so before your initial appearance in lieu of appearing. You must submit payment or set up a payment plan at that time.
No Contest via Pretrial
This is an opportunity to speak with the Town Attorney about the points or dollar amount listed on your citation. Once checked in you will be seated until the Town Attorney calls your name from the back of the courtroom. Please note, this is done on a "first come first served" basis, and may take some time. This can not be done in advance or over the phone. You must appear on your court date to speak with the Town Attorney about your citation(s).
Guilty
Pleading guilty is an admission that the charges against you are true. You will then pay the forfeiture or set up a payment plan on or before your initial appearance date.
Not Guilty
If you plead not guilty, you deny committing the charge(s) against you. Upon submission of a not guilty plea you will be given a trial date to return. You may plead not guilty before your court date by email, mail, or in person at the court office. If you enter a plea of not guilty, it is up to you to settle with the Town Attorney before the trial date or appear on said date ready to present your case to the Judge.
Juvenile "Must Appear"
Check in before your scheduled appearance time. When it is your turn, you will be directed into the Judge's Chambers. A parent or guardian must be present.
Must Appear
You must appear before the Judge. You will be read the charges against you and informed of the consequences of a guilty finding, You must answer to the charge(s) by entering a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. If you do not understand the charges against you, you may ask for an explanation. After accepting your plea, the Judge will review the police report and your past record. You may make a brief statement. The Judge will impose a sentence based on the seriousness of the present charge(s) and any past record.
Operating While Intoxicated
If you are cited for OWI, PAC or a Controlled Substance Violation you must appear at your scheduled initial appearance time. If you have questions regarding the charge(s), please contact the court at 920-832-1605 before your appearance date.
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