What not to wear for your court appearances.
Do Not Wear These Items to Court:
Shorts
Hats/Hair Curlers
Halter tops
Tank tops
See-through tops
Flip flops
Ripped or torn jeans
Ripped/torn or tattered t-shirts or muscle shirts
Clothing that exposes your midriff or underwear
Baggy pants that fall below your waist
Clothing with an emblem or wording that promotes illegal or inappropriate activity
Clothing that depicts or promotes violence, sex acts, illegal drug use or profanity
What are "Court Costs" and do I have to pay them if I don't appear in court?
Court Costs are mandatory and must be paid whether you appear in court or not. They include fees set by the State of Kansas to fund the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and the Judge’s Education Fund. Fees set by Augusta’s City Council are also included to help defray the expenses of running the court.
Do I have to come to court to pay my citation?
- If your citation has a fine amount listed on the back, you may pay it prior to your court date.
- If your citation is for a defect, you may bring the vehicle to the station and have an officer sign off on it prior to your court date.
- If your citation has “MCA” or “Mandatory Court Appearance” written on the back, a court appearance may be required. There are some instances, such as Proof of Insurance citations, when the clerk is able to dismiss a charge prior to the court date.
How do I pay my fine?
You may pay in person with cash, check or money order. We now accept debit/credit cards in person with a service fee. You may pay with a debit or credit card by going to www.payTPG.com or by calling (800) 444-1187 (there is a service charge for using a card). You may mail a check or money order to: Augusta Municipal Court, 2100 N Ohio, Augusta, KS 67010.
What happens if I don't appear on my court date?
You should contact the court clerk immediately. Failure to appear on your court date will result in court action including, but not limited to a) bench warrant, b) bond forfeiture, c) suspension of your driver’s license and assessment of reinstatement fees of $122.00 for each charge in which you failed to appear, d) possible revocation of your diversion or probation, e) late fees assessed, and f) your account being turned over to a collection agency.
Can I speak with the Prosecutor?
- You may speak to the prosecutor on your court date regarding any consideration which may be deemed appropriate. The prosecutor has the authority to amend, divert, or dismiss a charge pending before the court. If you would like to speak with the prosecutor directly and are charged with a misdemeanor offense and are not represented, you will be provided with a waiver of counsel.
- If you live out of state and have questions regarding your eligibility for an amendment on a traffic citation, the prosecutor is available to take phone calls from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM on court days.
What is an "Amendment"?
The prosecutor may choose to amend your charge(s) to lessor ones if you are eligible.
Can I get a diversion on a traffic ticket?
Only amendments are offered on traffic charges.
Do I have to get a lawyer?
You have the right to have an attorney defend you or you may defend yourself. In some instances, you may be eligible for court appointed counsel.
What does "Pro Se" mean?
It means you have chosen to represent yourself.
What if I'm found "Guilty"?
In addition to any jail, fine or other sanctions which may result from a municipal court conviction, there may be additional consequences as well. Said convictions may impact civil litigation related to the case, or immigration status if you are not a United States Citizen. Additionally, convictions may have administrative impacts, notably, in the context of driver’s license status in association with convictions for traffic related offenses.
Can I appeal the Judge's decision?
You have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be filed in the Butler County District Court within 14 calendar days of the decision.
What if I get "Probation"?
Probation in the Augusta Municipal Court is considered non-reporting at this time. This means you will not have a regular probation meeting but you do have to make your payments on time, meet other terms/conditions of your probation, and/or appear in court on the allotted days in order to keep your probation status. If you do not follow the terms of your probation, or make payments, or get a new charge, your probation may be revoked and your underlying jail sentence may be imposed.
What does "Dismissed without Prejudice" mean?
It means that the City may open the same charge again, particularly if the terms of probation or diversion are not kept.
What is a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and more serious than an infraction. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by a fine, but may also incur up to a year in county jail and probation.
Why do I have to get fingerprinted?
Per Kansas Statute you must be fingerprinted if you have been charged with a Class A or B misdemeanor or an assault. This may occur at the time of arrest or at your first court appearance.
How do I get my court dispositions?
You may request a copy of your court disposition from the court clerk. There is a fee of $7.50 per case.
Why is my license suspended?
Your license may be suspended due to failing to appear on a required court date, or for failing to comply with a citation, or for failing to pay your fine. It may also be suspended due to a state administrative charge, such as not having valid insurance.
You may check your Kansas driver's license status at the Kansas Department of Revenue.
How do I get my license reinstated?
If your license has been suspended by the Augusta Municipal Court you may have a required court appearance, or you may only need to pay your fines and reinstatement fees. Contact the court clerk for the requirements.
What if I have a warrant?
If you have a warrant you may turn yourself into the Police Department at any time. You will be required to post the required bond, either by cash or surety. You may also turn yourself into the court on any court day. Remember, you are subject to arrest by any agency until such time as the warrant has been served.
How do I get my records expunged?
- You may petition for expungement of most City ordinance convictions after three (3) years or five (5) years for convictions including Driving while Suspended or Revoked, Failure to carry Liability Insurance, and Failure to stop at the scene of an accident and perform the duties required. Ten (10) or more years must have elapsed before you can request an expungement of convictions such as Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs.
- You may petition for expungement of an arrest record if a) no charges have been or are likely to be filed, b) charges have been dismissed, or c) the Petitioner has been found not guilty in court proceedings.
- You must submit a Motion and Order of Expungement to the court along with a $50 non-refundable filing fee.
- The court will set a date for a hearing on the Motion. Unless represented by an attorney, you must attend the hearing.
- Any expungement for crimes falling within the scope of the Victim’s Rights Act require notification of the hearing to the victim and he/she will be given an opportunity to address the court regarding the motion for expungement.
- If your case was appealed in District Court, the Motion should be filed in District Court.
A sample Motion and Order for Expungement can be found
here.
What happens if I can't pay my fine?
If you are not able to make a payment by your court date you must appear and speak with the Judge. The Judge has the authority to grant, or deny, your request for additional time to pay.
You must appear to request an extension if you are on probation or diversion and are unable to make the monthly payments you agreed to. Failure to do so may result in a revocation of your probation or diversion.
If you fail to appear, or make payment arrangements, additional actions may be taken.
How can I pay my fine "after hours"?
Yes. You may pay online at www.augustatix.com, or call (877) 685-4493, or you may pay in person at the Safety Department dispatch window which is open 24 hours a day, every day. The dispatcher will have an envelope for you to fill out and put your payment in. They are not able to give you change or any information on your fine/case. You must contact the court clerk the next business day to verify the payment and what the next court date is.