Structure -Under the Direction of the Finance Department, Municipal Court is responsible for handling all alleged violations of the City of Atchison Ordinances. The Municipal Court Clerk is responsible for record management of all court cases and collection of fines and forfeitures.

Schedule - Municipal Court is held each Wednesday, beginning at 7:30 a.m. If you are inquiring about a specific court date, please call (913) 367-5515.

Process - The complaint or citation is a document that states what the person is charged with.

The process that a defendant or a person charged with a violation must go through involves the following steps:

Arraignment
The time scheduled for the defendant to appear in court to enter a plea of:
Guilty to admit to committing the act.

Not Guilty to deny guilt and the city must prove in a trial that you are guilty.

No Contest to refuse to contest the city’s charge,
the judge will enter a finding of
guilty and order a fine, jail time or
other sentence.

Your Right to an Attorney
If the city is requesting jail time you must decide whether or not you wish to proceed with or without an attorney. If you wish to proceed with an attorney and are unable to hire one the city will appoint one to represent you. To receive representation from a court appointed attorney, one must meet the income guidelines.

Diversions and Plea Agreements
Plea agreements are made between the defendant and the City Prosecutor. Amendment of the charges can be negotiated at this time.

Diversions are another type of an agreement that you must qualify for and enter into a contract. The contract states that you will comply with certain conditions for a certain period of time and pay fines and fees. By agreeing to the conditions you give up the right to a speedy trial. However, if you successfully complete the diversion the charges against you will be dismissed. If you fail to complete the diversion the charges against you will be reinstated.

Trials
If a not guilty plea is entered, which means you deny guilt and the city must prove its charges. In all Municipal Court cases you have a right to representation by an attorney. If you act as your own attorney you are appearing pro se.

Sentencing
The judge will reach a verdict at the end of the trial. If the judge enters a guilty verdict the penalty will be announced at that time. Sentencing options could include fines, fees, jail time, probation, house arrest, community service and restitution.

If an appearance is not made on a scheduled court date, an arrest warrant will be issued.

Fees - Please insert fine/fee schedule.

Upon receipt of a ticket, an additional $35.00 is applied for court cost. This fee is non-negotiable, even if no court appearance is required.

Outstanding Warrants - Please list all those with warrants.