What is a “plea?"

A plea is an answer to the charges against you. You must enter a plea of guilty, no contest or not guilty.

  • A “guilty” plea means that you admit that you committed the offense(s).
  • A “no contest” plea means that you do not want to contest the charges. You are not admitting guilt, but you are allowing the judge to find you guilty.
  • A “not guilty” plea means that you deny guilt. Your case will be set for trial, and the City will be required to prove that you committed the offense(s) beyond a reasonable doubt.

Your “plea” may follow a “plea negotiation” with the City Prosecutor, either on your own or through your attorney. The City Prosecutor is not required to conduct plea negotiations with you.

Show All Answers

1. How do I pay a municipal court fine and court costs?
2. If I pay my fine, do I still have to come to Municipal Court?
3. What is the function of Municipal Court?
4. How are municipal court fines and court costs set?
5. What are the breakdown of court costs?
6. Can I do community service to pay off my fines?
7. What happens at arraignment?
8. What is a “plea?"
9. What happens at trial?
10. What happens at sentencing?
11. Can I speak to a City Prosecutor about my case?
12. Can I have an attorney represent me in court?
13. Can I appeal the judge’s decision?
14. Can I change my arraignment date?
15. What happens if I missed my court date?
16. Can I change the date and time of my meeting with my court services officer?
17. What happens if I miss a meeting with my court services officer?
18. I received a ticket for no proof of liability insurance for the vehicle I was driving. What are my options?
19. Can I get a diversion of any charge(s) against me?
20. Can I have my Municipal Court arrest and/or conviction expunged?
21. What is the ordinance for cell phone violations?
22. What if court is canceled due to inclement weather?
23. What if I need to reschedule my court appearance due to inclement weather?