CHOICE OF PLEAS
GUILTY: means you admit the violation and there is nothing for the Court to do but assess a penalty after reviewing the investigation.
NOT GUILTY: means you deny that you are guilty of the violation and desire a trial. In that event, your case will be assigned to the ELYRIA MUNICIPAL COURT and all further notices and hearing dates will be generated from that Court.
NO CONTEST: is not an admission of your guilt, but is an admission of the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint and such a plea or admission shall not be used against you in any subsequent civil or criminal proceeding. Because we do not have the facilities for a full hearing in this Court, if you wish to enter a plea of no contest your right to a hearing must be waived and the Court will decide the case on the facts before it.
CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY
You have the right to consult with and be represented by a lawyer of your own selection. You are not required to have a lawyer in this Court. You may represent yourself. Every person has the right to make his own defense without counsel, but if you doubt as to your proper course, it is highly recommended that you consult with your own attorney. If you wish to have extra time to consult an attorney, the Court will allow a continuance of your case.
CONTINUANCE
If for any good reason you are not prepared to go forward at the first hearing date, you may request a continuance of your case. You may also be requested to sign a waiver of your right to a speedy trial if you request a continuance.
JURY TRIAL
If the penalty for the offense with which you were charged exceeds $150 or provides a jail sentence, you are entitled to demand a trial by jury. If you demand a jury trial, your case will be transferred to the Elyria Municipal Court.