Fines
Fines
The amount of fine the court assesses is determined only by the facts and circumstances of the case. Mitigating circumstances may lower the fine, even if you are guilty. On the other hand, aggravating circumstances may increase the fine. The maximum fine for:
- Most municipal court traffic violations: $200
- Municipal court penal violations: $500
- Certain city ordinance violations: $2,000
- Other city ordinance violations: $500
Court Costs
In addition to a fine, court costs mandated by state law will be charged. The costs are different depending on the offense. You need to check with the court for the amount that will be assessed to the violation for which you are charged. If a warrant was served or processed by a peace officer, an additional $50 fee is also assessed.
Court costs are assessed if:
- You are found guilty at trial
- You plead guilty or nolo contendere
- Your case is deferred for a driving safety course
- Your case is deferred and you are placed on probation
If you are found not guilty, court costs cannot be assessed.
New Trial
If you are found guilty, you may make an oral or written motion to the court for a new trial. The motion must be made within one day after a judgment of guilty has been rendered against you. The judge may grant a new trial if the judge is persuaded that justice has not been done in the trial of your case. Only one new trail may be granted for each offense.
Appeal
If you are found guilty, and are not satisfied with the judgment of the court, you have the right to appeal your case. To appeal, you must file an appeal bond for two times the fine and cost with the municipal court within 10 days of the judgment.