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Contact Info: citycourt@cityofknoxville.org

WHAT HAPPENS AT A CITY COURT TRIAL?

YOU SHOULD BE SEATED quietly in the courtroom at the time scheduled for Court to begin.

Court begins 9:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Night Court at 5:30 PM Tuesday and Thursday.

Suitable 'general public' attire is required.

Children are welcome, but must have adult supervision and may not be disruptive.

Turn cell phones/pagers OFF in the Courtroom.

COURT BEGINS with the bailiff 'reading the docket' (calling out the names of those scheduled for Court that day).

When your name is called, respond by announcing your plea of Guilty, Not Guilty, or No Contest.

To be added to the docket… wait until the bailiff has completed reading the docket. The bailiff will then ask for anyone whose name was not called to come forward to be added.

ALL RISE! When the Judge enters the Courtroom, the bailiff will instruct everyone in the Court to stand, and introduce the Judge. Once the Judge is seated at the bench, the bailiff will direct everyone to be seated for Hearings to begin.

HEARINGS BEGIN with the bailiff calling defendants forward when the Judge is ready to hear each case.

The bailiff will call you forward when the Judge is ready to start your case.

The Judge will generally begin your case by reading aloud the charges against you and formally receiving your plea with your signature.

If you plead NOT GUILTY, the Judge will conduct a COURT TRIAL and include the Officer* who issued your Citation. The Officer's case against you will be presented first. Then you will be given opportunity to present your case of why you are Not Guilty. [* If the Officer is unavailable, the Judge may reschedule the Court Trial for another date.]

The Judge will 'swear' all parties involved to tell the truth to begin the Court Trial.

The Judge will give you opportunity to explain any circumstances of your case, no matter what you plea. The Judge may also ask questions to better understand your case.

END OF COURT TRIAL/HEARING. After considering the testimony/evidence presented in each case, the Judge will issue a Finding of Guilty or Not Guilty on each charge.

If money is due, a Court Assistant (Clerk) will escort you to a Court Service Counter to total your Fines/Fees due, receive your payment, and further explain the Judge's ruling.

A Court Assistant may also make necessary arrangements for Traffic-School, driver license reinstatement, Youth Substance Abuse Program, probation, etc.

You will not owe for any charge on which the Judge has ruled you NOT GUILTY.

If you are dissatisfied with the Judge's decision, you may Appeal your case. [Your appeal will be at Circuit Court, which requires a $134.50 filing fee and a $250 Cash Bond… Go to APPEALS for more details.]