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Going to your local municipal court for the first time can be a bit nerve-racking! Whether it is for a traffic ticket, a minor ordinance, or something else, the good thing is that you will likely be able to walk into court feeling calm, confident, and prepared, if you put in a little preparation. Below are some tips that you can follow to get organized.
The first thing you should do is carefully read your summons/citation. The citation will contain the basic but very important information regarding your case- the date, time, and location. It may give some information about your charges, and notice about whether you must be present.
Read the summon several times to verify all information and determine your obligations. Because the summons can be extensive and overwhelming, it is not uncommon to misread the directions, dates, or other details.
Misreading your summons can lead to missed deadlines, or not fully understanding the consequences of your summons. Therefore, it is important to reach out for questions and clarifications when needed. Call the municipal court clerk any time you need assistance.
Bring every document that could possibly help your case. This can include:
Organize these documents in a folder to minimize the time needed to access anything when asked. Having your documentation prepped and organized indicates professionalism. It helps the judge or prosecutor take your case seriously and at least hear you out.
If you have retained an attorney for your case, be certain to contact them ahead of time to make sure they will be able to attend your hearing. If you have any active witnesses, reach out to them to ensure they are attending and to discuss their part in the hearing.
If you do retain an attorney, ensure that they have everything they need.. They should help you understand the statement and plea strategy.
If you are representing yourself, speak with a court-appointed attorney who might be willing to answer some questions, or seek legal aid through a program in your area. Even if you only get limited advice, you might eliminate mistakes regarding procedural matters.
Municipal courts are very focused on time. Plan to arrive early, and allow 30 minutes for parking, security screening, and check-in. Check the route you may take to make sure there are no traffic or parking restrictions. Likewise, let your employer know as soon as possible that you will not be available.
This way, you will be sure to have enough time off work, on the appropriate type of leave. If you do not appear in court, and you do not give notice, you may have more problems, including the issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest.
After you leave the hearing you are going to want to look into what the judge has ordered, or what your next steps are. The judge may have ordered you to pay fines, attend future hearings, or do something by a certain time. If your judge has ordered action and you want to avoid being charged with non-compliance, you just need to put deadlines in your calendar.
If you are coming from out of state, it will be helpful to know that in some jurisdictions, they may require bail before being released. If that is the case, you would need to reach out to licensed bail bondsmen in California. Usually, their professional bail services work across state lines.
Being prepared is the best way to lessen the anxiety and uncertainty heading into your municipal court date. Read your summons carefully, gather any related documents, and consider logistics to prepare you for success. If possible, seek the opinion of a legal professional. Remember, courts respect responsibility, timeliness, and organization. Even being prepared in small ways can influence how your case will be viewed.
