FAQs • Jenks, OK • CivicEngage

Can I appear earlier than my trial date and time and speak with the Judge?: No.

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Municipal Court: Court

1. Can I change my court date?: A change in court date can be made for some hardship cases. Contact the Court Clerk’s office at 918-556-7409.

2. What will happen if I do not call and I do not show up for court?: A warrant will be issued for your arrest and more fees will be added to your fines. In addition, a charge of Failure to Appear in Court could be placed against you. Notice will also be provided to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which will result in the suspension of your license. If you posted a cash bond, it will be forfeited to pay your citations.

3. What are the court costs?: Court costs are fees and assessments assigned by the City and State. They are subject to change annually.

4. Why do I have to pay court costs when I didn't go to court?: Court costs are assigned to the particular charge you were given - not according to your court appearance.

5. Can I appear earlier than my trial date and time and speak with the Judge?: No.

6. How do I get an attorney?: You have the right to hire your own attorney. An attorney is not provided for you in a Municipal Court not of Record, as the Jenks Municipal Court is.

7. What is a ‘court not of record’?: In ‘courts not of record’, oral proceedings are not recorded, as they are in ‘courts of record’; in most ‘not of record’ proceedings, the parties can and usually do appear personally, without lawyers. However, many proceedings have intermediate character, with some "of record" characteristics but not others.

8. What attorney should I call to handle my case?: Check the Yellow Pages, or you can contact the Tulsa County Bar Lawyer Referral Service.

10. What do I do if I don't think the judge got all the information about my case before I was found guilty?: You can appeal the conviction by filing a Notice of Appeal with the County District Court and the Municipal Court Clerk’s Office within 10 days of your conviction.

11. What kind of sentences can be given through this court?: Depending upon the nature of the case, fines range from $100 to $800 plus court costs. Some cases can provide for jail time in addition to fine and cost.

12. What happens at the court arraignment?: The Judge will call your name and you may enter a ‘Not Guilty’, ‘Guilty’, or ‘No Contest’ plea. Appearing on your initial court date also gives you a chance to ask the Judge for a reduction in fines. If you plead ‘Not Guilty’, you will be assigned a Trial date.

13. What sentence will I get if I plead guilty?: The Judge imposes sentences. Court staff members cannot guess what the sentence will be, as different facts and laws may apply to each case. However, certain offenses have mandatory sentences, meaning a judge cannot order a lesser sentence than is required. Other offenses allow a judge to use discretion. If a charge has a mandatory sentence, the judge will inform you at the time of sentencing.

14. What happens at a trial?: Depending on the alleged offense(s), you may be entitled to a trial by jury or trial by the court. You are entitled to hear all testimony against you. You have a right to cross-examine any witness who testifies against you, the right to testify on your own behalf, and a Constitutional right not to testify. If you choose not to testify, a refusal cannot and will not be used against you in determining guilt or innocence. If you choose to testify, the City will have the right to cross-examine you. You may call witnesses to testify on your behalf and you have the right to have the court issue subpoenas for witnesses to ensure appearance at trial.

15. If I pay my citation before my assigned court date, do I still have to appear in court?: No. If a citation is paid before your scheduled court date, your court appearance is not required.

16. What happens if I fail to appear at my arraignment?: If the citation is not paid, a warrant is issued. See the notice for warrant information.