What Happens in Court?

If you have not hired an attorney, then you must attend your first court hearing on the designated time mentioned on your ticket or in your paper work. The Judge will first address the attorney-represented cases and then he’ll begin calling the defendants of the non-attorney represented cases.

At some point during the proceedings, the judge will ask you to enter a plea. You may plead Guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, the judge will ask you a series of questions aimed to determine if you want to waive your constitutional rights including your right to a speedy jury.

If you plead guilty, the judge will deliver the sentence immediately and the case will be over. The sentence you get may include monetary compensation such as fines and probation, mandatory treatment programs, and even jail time. The sentence will vary depending upon the nature of your offense, and your county laws.