Government

Every case in Municipal Court starts when the City of Racine issues a citation for a possible ordinance violation.

Your ticket will list a court date for your first appearance. While most tickets say you don’t need to appear, please note: unless you submit a Not Guilty plea beforehand, not appearing may result in an automatic Guilty finding and a required payment.

Attending court gives you a chance to enter a plea. Pleading Guilty or No Contest typically leads to a fine (forfeiture) and time...

Every case in Municipal Court starts when the City of Racine issues a citation for a possible ordinance violation.

Your ticket will list a court date for your first appearance. While most tickets say you don’t need to appear, please note: unless you submit a Not Guilty plea beforehand, not appearing may result in an automatic Guilty finding and a required payment.

Attending court gives you a chance to enter a plea. Pleading Guilty or No Contest typically leads to a fine (forfeiture) and time to pay.

If you plead Not Guilty (in court or ahead of time), you’ll be scheduled for a Pre-trial meeting with the City Attorney. If you reach an agreement, the court usually approves it. If not, you have the right to a trial.

All court sessions are open to the public, except juvenile cases.