NOTICE TO ALL CHARGED BY COMPLAINT OR TRAFFIC CITATION

If you are charged with a complaint, the court wants you to know that you have certain basic rights. You are entitled to be informed of:

1. The nature of the complaint or citation that has been filed against you.

2. The identity of the complainant.

3. Your right to be represented by counsel.

4. Your right to a continuance of the case in order to obtain counsel.

5. If you are indigent and unable to secure the services of an attorney, it is the responsibility of your parents to provide legal counsel for you. If your parents are likewise indigent, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent you if there is a possibility of a loss of your liberty. If you intend to request the Court appoint an attorney to represent you, you must fill out an Affidavit of Indigency before your hearing is held, and the Court is required to assess a $25.00 application fee. The Application can be obtained from the Juvenile Court Clerk.

You likewise have a right to:

1. Read the complaint or affidavit filed against you.

2. Have the complaint or affidavit explained to you if you do not understand it.

YOU WILL BE REQUESTED TO ADMIT OR DENY THE ALLEGATIONS OF THE COMPLAINT OR AFFIDAVIT. A FAILURE OR REFUSAL TO ADMIT THE ALLEGATIONS SHALL BE DEEMED A DENIAL.

If you admit the allegations of the complaint or affidavit, the court shall proceed to a dispositional hearing of the matter unless a request is made to continue the hearing for a reasonable time to enable the party to obtain or consult counsel.

If you deny the allegations of the complaint or affidavit, the court shall:

1. Continue the adjudicatory hearing to a later date and time certain for trial.

2. Direct the office of the Prosecuting Attorney to present evidence in support of the allegations of the complaint or affidavit.

3. Order the separation of witnesses upon request of any party.

4. Determine the issues by proof beyond a reasonable doubt in juvenile traffic offense, delinquency and unruly proceedings, by clear and convincing evidence in abuse, dependency and neglect proceedings, and by a preponderance of the evidence in all other cases.

The Court also wishes to inform you that you are appearing in a record court of law and that all proceedings will be conducted with proper dignity and decorum in a polite and courteous manner.

You are expected to and should dress properly for the occasion and should conduct yourself with propriety throughout the entire proceeding. NO SHORTS OR SLEEVELESS SHIRTS.

Those who fail to do so may be subject to disciplinary action or held in contempt of court.

Judge
Shelby County Common Pleas Court
Juvenile Division

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NOTICE REGARDING COURT COSTS
Please note, that by court order, all court costs and fines, if assessed, are due and payable on the date of your scheduled court appearance. Court costs are payable by cash, check, money order. If these assessed court costs and fines cannot be paid on that date, then immediately after the court appearance, you must discuss the reasons with the Deputy Clerk of the Juvenile Court.