City of Dublin - Mayor's Court
Court Process & Plea Descriptions
Tickets Not Requiring Court Appearance
Most Minor Misdemeanor and Fourth Degree Misdemeanor traffic charges have the option of paying a fine instead of going to Court. Examples of offenses include speeding less than 21 miles and hour over the posted speed limit and driving on or in the berm. To find out the amount of fines and costs, please call the Division of Court Services. Fines can be paid prior to the Arraignment Hearing by admitting guilt and paying the total amount of fines and costs listed.
Tickets Requiring Court Appearance
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.
Transfer of Case to Municipal Court
The Defendant has the right to have the case transferred to Municipal Court at any time by requesting a transfer in writing during the process before a plea has been entered. Possible reasons for the request may be to put the case before a jury, to obtain legal representation through the Public Defenders' Office if the Defendant is declared indigent or to have the case heard in a "Court of Record."
Arraignment Hearing
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. 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.
Trial
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.
Guilty Plea
The plea of guilty is a complete admission of the Defendant's guilt.
No Contest Plea
The plea of No Contest is not an admission of guilt, but is an admission of the truth of the facts alleged in the information or complaint, and such a plea of admission will not be used against the Defendant in any subsequent civil or criminal proceedings.
Not Guilty Plea
The plea of Not Guilty is a denial of legal guilt, and the case will be set for trial on a later date.
Summons
A summons is issued by the Court after the Defendant fails to appear at the initial Arraignment Night. It is a Court Order which requests the Defendant appear at a later Arraignment Night. As a result of the case going to summons, additional costs will be incurred.
Warrant
If a Defendant fails to appear after a summons 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.
Sentencing Alternatives
When an individual has been convicted of an offense, the Mayor will impose a sentence. The possible sanctions may include, but are not limited to jail time, fines and court costs, community service or a period of probation supervision.