PROCEDURES AND PLEAS

When your name is called, proceed immediately to the podium in front of the prosecutor. The charge against you will be read and you will have the opportunity to request a continuance or enter a plea. The pleas are:

GUILTY: You are saying that you have committed the offense with which you have been charged. If you please “GUILTY”, a statement may be given on behalf of the City concerning the events, which gave rise to the charge. If you want to, you will then be permitted to make a statement on your own behalf.

NO CONTEST: This plea is not an admission of guilt but is an admission to the truth of the facts stated in the affidavit. It is then for the court to determine whether the admitted facts constitute the offense.

NOT GUILTY: This plea is saying that you did not commit the offense with which you are charged. A trial will be set for a later date and witnesses can be subpoenaed for that trial date.

After you have entered your plea the prosecutor will read the facts concerning the charges. You will be given an opportunity to speak to the facts as presented by the prosecutor. Following your testimony, the court will then issue a verdict. If the verdict is guilty, the prosecutor will then advise the court of your past driving or criminal history. The court will then determine the amount of the fine and/ or jail time.

Any statements made by you could be used against you. If you want to know your potential maximum penalties, ask!

Sharonville Mayor’s Court is presided over by a Magistrate