Your Rights & Obligations

Right To An Attorney

In all cases in the Municipal Court, you may have an attorney represent you.

When you are charged with an offense that may result in jail time as part of your sentence, you will need to decide whether you want to continue with or without an attorney.

If you desire an attorney, and if the Court finds you do not have the means to hire one, the Court will consider appointing an attorney to represent you.

Appearance & Behavior In Court

When you appear in Court you will be required to obey the following rules:
1. Appropriate clothing and shoes will be worn.
2. The wearing of hats or caps is not allowed.
3. Food and drinks are not allowed in the Courtroom.
4. While the Court is in session, talking is not allowed, except with authorized Court personnel.
5. There will be No Smoking in the Courtroom.

Your Rights at the Trial

The Complaint

- You have the right to inspect a complaint filed against you before trial, and have it read to you at trial.
- You do not have the right to have your case tried before a jury in Municipal Court.
- You are entitled to hear all testimony introduced against you.

Testifying in Court

- You have a right to testify on your own behalf.
- You also have a constitutional right not to testify.
- If you choose not to testify, your refusal cannot and will not be used against you in determining your guilt or innocence.
- However, if you do choose to testify, the prosecutor will have the right to cross examine you.

Witnesses

- You may call witnesses to testify on your own behalf.
- You also have the right to have the Court issue subpoenas for witnesses to ensure their appearance at trial.
- However, you must furnish the names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses to the Court, at least 10 working days before your trial date, so that the witnesses may be located and the subpoenas served.
- The Court will only serve subpoenas within the Cities of Prairie Village and Mission Hills. Serving subpoenas outside those two cities will be your responsibility.

• Your Rights & Obligations: right to an attorney, appearance and behavior in court
• Your Plea: three possible pleas to a complaint
• At Trial: testifying on your own behalf, witnesses, presenting your case
• After the Trial: the verdict, paying fines, right to appeal
• Download Appearing at Municipal Court