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Your First Court Appearance

Your first time appearing in court is an intimidating experience. The information below will help you prepare for your court appearance, so you know where to go, how to dress, and what is expected of you when you arrive.
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Where to Park When You Arrive

Public parking is available in the lot designated for courthouse parking on North Grant Street. This lot is directly across the street from the main entrance and loop in front of the courthouse. The loop is for drop-off and pick-up only.

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Where to Enter

All courthouse visitors must enter through the main entrance on North Grant Street.  Upon entrance or re-entrance, all persons are required to proceed through a metal detector while all personal items will go through an x-ray inspection system to ensure no weapons or contraband are brought into the courthouse.

Any weapons or items that potentially can be used as weapons are prohibited and will be confiscated.  Food, beverages, and backpacks are prohibited.  Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off inside the courtrooms.

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How to Dress for Court

Clothing should be consistent with the seriousness and dignity of the judicial process. It should be constructed and worn in such a manner that is not unduly revealing or offensive.

Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. Undergarments must be covered. Clothing items depicting gangs, drugs, alcohol use, or containing words, pictures, or symbols that are obscene, profane, or sexually suggestive are not permissible. See-through tops, bare-midriff tops, tube tops, halter tops, low-cut shirts/tops, swimwear, bathing suits, and lingerie are not permissible.

The court asks you do your best to appear neat and clean. Visitors will be asked to leave if not wearing proper attire.

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1st Appearance for Criminal or Mandatory Traffic Arraignment

In the courtroom, a judge or magistrate will explain the arraignment process, your legal rights, and the three plea options of Not Guilty, No Contest, or Guilty.

You will be called to stand in front of a judge or magistrate who will read aloud the alleged charge or charges filed against you. As long as you understand the alleged charge or charges filed against you, you will then have the opportunity to enter a plea to each alleged charge. You will select one of the plea options and either enter a plea of Not Guilty, No Contest, or Guilty.

If you enter a plea of Not Guilty your case will be scheduled for further court proceedings at a later date.

If you enter a plea of No Contest or Guilty you may be sentenced or the court official may decide to schedule your sentencing at a later date.

Local Rules

The Local Rules serves as the guide for how the Wayne County Municipal Court is conducted. Local Rules include the guidelines and expectations for:
  • General Provisions

  • Civil Rules

  • Criminal/Traffic Rules

  • Traffic Violations Bureau

  • Small Claims Division
  • Trusteeship
  • Court Security
  • Court Costs
  • Arraignment/Initial Appearance Schedule
  • Bail (Bond) Schedule
  • Waiver Schedule
  • Traffic Law Violations
  • Wildlife Bond Schedule
  • Rules of Probation
  • Waiver Stations
  • Judgment Entry of Transfer