Enter a Plea
If you get a ticket or a citation, you will need to enter a plea.
- If you plead guilty or no contest, the judge will set a penalty, and the case will close.
- If you plead not guilty, the case will go to pretrial.
Hearings & Trials
The Municipal Court oversees many hearings and trials about violations of City ordinances. Hearings and trials happen when defendants say they are not guilty of the violation. At the trials, the City has to prove that the defendant is guilty of the violations.
Pretrial
At the pretrial, you and the City Attorney will try to settle the case. If you do not reach an agreement, the case will go to trial.
Learn about the pretrial and how to request discovery.
Trial
You and the City will both present your cases, and the judge will determine whether you are guilty or not guilty.
Learn about what happens at the trial and how to request discovery.
Virtual Hearings
The Municipal Court is holding some hearings online in Zoom.
You can request to join a virtual court session as an attendee at zoom.municipalcourt@cityofmadison.com. Attendees can view hearings, but you will not be able to speak or chat during the hearing.
Trials will resume in person when the courtroom is open to the public. Participants can continue to attend over Zoom or over the phone as long as it is legal to do so.
Upcoming Virtual Hearings
| Date | Time | Type of Hearing |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, June 9, 2022 | 10:00 am | Contested Reopening |
| Thursday, June 9, 2022 | 12:00 pm | Trial |