Rights

Your Rights

You have many rights as a defendant in municipal court:

1. In a criminal case, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
2. You have the right to retain, or pay a lawyer to represent you
3. You have the right to represent yourself (as a pro se defendant)
4. You have the right to view certain evidence at trial to your case, call discovery
5. If you are convicted and unable to immediately pay the fine and costs, you have the right to request the court consider alternatives to payment.

*If you need the services of an interpreter, please notify the municipal court administrator prior to your appearance in court.

Your rights during trial

1. You have the right to a jury trial or a trial before a judge
2. You have the right to hear all testimony introduced against you
3. You have the right to cross examine witnesses who testify against you
4. You have the right to testify on your own behalf or remain silent
5. You have the right to present evidence and call witnesses to testify on your behalf