Plea Sheet

You are here today to answer to a charge for a violation of village ordinance(s). When your name is called, step to the front of the magistrate’s bench and remain standing until your case is resolved. A copy of the complaint or ticket was previously served upon you and you acknowledge service.

Upon hearing the charge against you, you will then enter a plea. You have a choice of one of three pleas that you may enter.

1. Guilty Plea: you are admitting that you are guilty of the violation and there is nothing for the court to do but to access the penalty upon hearing the report of the case, as well as any statements you wish to make in mitigation of your case.
2. Not Guilty Plea: you are denying that you are guilty of the violation and desire a trial, which will be held at the Avon Lake Municipal Court, at which time you may present witnesses and evidence on your behalf. (You must appear in court to enter a not guilty plea.)
3. No Contest Plea: means you do not admit anything. However, you are allowing the court to make a finding without the benefit of a trial, upon hearing the report of the investigation as well as any statements you care to make. None of the statements are under oath and therefore none of the statements may be used in any criminal or civil proceedings that may arise out of this case.

There are additional rights that you have, such as being able to consult with your attorney before entering a plea. Also, you have the right in any case where the law provides for a penalty in excess of $150.00 or a jail sentence to a trial by jury. These requests must be made to the Avon Lake Municipal Court.

Please select the plea from the dropdown that you wish to enter today. You should be prepared to pay your fine and court cost before you are excused.