Ja’net Crawford, Mayor’s Court Clerk
Montgomery Safety Center
10150 Montgomery Road
Montgomery, OH 45242
Phone: (513) 985-1606
Anyone appearing in Mayor’s Court has the right to have an attorney; however, the services of an attorney are not required.
In some instances you are entitled to a trial by jury. If you want a jury trial, the case will be transferred to Hamilton County Municipal Court, at which time an attorney should probably be consulted. If you want the case heard in Mayor’s Court, you will be asked to sign a jury trial waiver form.
You are entitled to be informed of the nature of the charge. If you do not understand the charge, the charge will be explained by the court. After being informed of the charge, you will be asked to enter a plea of either guilty, no contest or not guilty. A plea of “guilty” is a complete admission of your guilt. A plea of “no contest” is not technically an admission of guilt, but is an admission of the facts alleged in the complaint or traffic citation presented by the prosecution at the time of the plea. The court will then decide your guilt or innocence based on those facts. A plea of “not guilty” will result in a trial. At the trial the City must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial will not be scheduled on the first appearance. The trial will be set for a future date to allow the clerk’s office to issue subpoenas for officers and witnesses.
Please do not hesitate to plead “not guilty” if you feel that you are innocent of the charge, or if you dispute the facts stated in the complaint or traffic citation.
The Mayor’s Court Clerk’s office can:
- Help you understand how the court works.
- Help you reschedule court dates.
- Answer questions about monies owed to the court.
- Help you find information about your case.
- Direct you to other agencies that can provide assistance.
- Direct you to where you have to appear in court.
The Mayor’s Court Clerk’s office staff cannot:
- Give you legal advice.
- Fill out forms for you.
- Tell you what to say or write.
- Tell you how to plead in your case.
- Tell you how the court may rule or fine you in a particular case.
What are the court fees?
Upon making a court appearance, the following costs or fees may be added to your fines:
- Court Costs $60.00
- Subpoena fees $6.00
What forms of payment are accepted for my ticket?
We accept personal checks, money orders, Visa and MasterCard and cash. If you are paying your ticket at the Violations Bureau in cash, the exact amount is required. We cannot always make change.
Tickets can be paid online at is ohioticketpayments.com.
What is a “payout”?
A payout is a minor misdemeanor that carries a fine that can be paid without making a court appearance. The fine is paid to the Violations Bureau of the court. If you chose to make a court appearance, the payout amount no longer applies. The magistrate will determine the fine amount, and court costs will be added to that amount.
I can’t be in court on the date that is on my ticket. What can I do?
You can obtain a continuance of your arraignment by coming to the Safety Center, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and signing a time waiver. Your case can be continued for two or four weeks, whichever is more convenient for you.
My ticket is a payout, but I won’t have the money by the court date. What can I do?
You can come to the Safety Center and sign a time waiver
When I come to court I may not have enough money to pay my fine. What can I do?
You can ask the magistrate for a “stay to pay”. You will be given a two week period to have the fine paid in full and your driver’s license will be held by the court during that time. If you cannot have the fine paid in the length of time given, you must return to court and seek more time from the magistrate. Only the magistrate can assign extra time to pay.
I missed my court date. What happens now?
A warrant for your arrest will be issued and you will be required to post a bond to obtain another court date. In some instances, your driver’s license will be suspended.
Will I get points on this ticket?
Most moving violations carry 2 points; others carry 4 or 6 points depending on the offense. These points are reported to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
