Ticket or Citations

What to Expect if You Receive a Ticket or Citation

Arraignment

The appearance date given on your ticket is your arraignment date. You must appear on this date unless you pay the ticket prior to the date. Please note, if the officer has indicated on the ticket that it is a must appear citation, then you may not pay the ticket prior to the court date, and you must appear before the Judge.

At this first appearance, you may talk to the Prosecutor about a plea negotiation. We encourage coming to court prepared with any documentation that may assist you with your case. If an acceptable plea agreement is reached you may enter a plea of guilty and pay the clerk, however, certain misdemeanors require that you see the Judge, i.e. Driving While Intoxicated, Drug and Domestic cases. If the matter cannot be resolved with the Prosecutor, you may plead not guilty. If you plead not guilty, you will be given a second court appearance which will be your Plea Discovery date.

Plea Discovery

At this appearance, you will be able to talk to the Prosecutor again about a plea negotiation.  Once again, we encourage you to bring any necessary documentation that may assist with your case.  If an acceptable plea agreement is reached, you may enter a plea of guilty and pay the clerk.  Again, certain misdemeanors may require that you see the Judge.  If you plead not guilty, the Prosecutor will inquire if you need the case evidence.  If requested, this documentation will be mailed out for your review.   At this point, you will given a final court appearance which will be your trial date.

Trial

This appearance will be your trial date. The officer(s) and other witnesses will be subpoenaed to appear and testify on behalf of the prosecution. You will have the opportunity to cross-examine the officer(s) and witnesses and to present evidence and testimony in your defense. The Arkansas Rules of Evidence apply during trial proceedings, and the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. At the conclusion of the testimony, the Judge will render a verdict of guilty or not guilty.  Please note: District Courts do not have jury trials.

Failure to Show

If you fail to appear at any scheduled court dates, the court may issue a warrant for you arrest.