Answers to the Most Common Questions When Receiving A Traffic Summons:

Charlestown City Court

1.  Do I Have to appear in Court?

NO.  If you want to plead guilty and pay, follow the "Making Payment" instructions on this page.  If you want to contest your ticket, you must appear in Court on the day and time indicated on your complaint, or have an attorney file a written response by that date.

2.  Will there be a trial on the same day if I deny the complaint?

NO.  The appearance day is for arraignment.  You will have another Court date set for the trial.

3.  Is there any way that I could go to traffic school?

There is a possibility that the court will allow you to attend Defensive Driving School if you have not attended it within the last three years.  To do so, you should contact the Court Clerk a few days prior to your court date to verify this.

4.  What happens if I want to go to court but I can't make it on the day I'm given?

You may be granted a new court day for various reasons.  You must contact the Court Clerk to request a new court date.

5.  Will there be an arrest warrant for me if I fail to appear in court and don't pay by the court date?  

There is a possibility that there will be a warrant issued for your arrest.  The decision is by the court.  If you fail to appear or pay your complaint, the court will notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of your non-compliance and order to suspend your license.  If you hold a license in another state, Indiana will notify your state of your non-compliance and seek the suspension of your license.

6.  Can I call and explain my situation to someone?

If you want to contest your complaint, you must do so on your court date.  The court will not respond to telephone calls or letters concerning your case.

7.  I have decided to pay my complaint.  Can I have more time?

Yes, You have 30 days after your court date to make payment.

8.  Phone Number is:

(812) 256-7130

The Court has established the following schedule for payment of judgment (fine) for civil traffic violators (fines are estimates & subject to change):

Speeding - $111.00  /  All other moving violations - $111.00

Non-moving violations (registration, license and equipment violations) - $111.00

Child Restraint Violations - $25.00 / Seatbelt Violations - $25.00

Driving While Suspended (Infraction) - $111.00 / Local Ordinance Violations - $111.00

Making Payment:

If you have decided to plead guilty, you may do so by mailing in your payment.  Follow these directions for making payment.

1.  Read and sign the Appearance Waiver, and Plead of Admission form below.

2.  Locate the amount due above and make payment in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order.  NO PERSONAL OR COMPANY CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED.

3.  Enclose your copy of the summons and the Appearance Waiver/Plead of Admission form of this page.

4.  Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a receipt.

5.  Payment must be received within thirty (30) days after your court date.

Make Payable To and Mail To:  Charlestown City Court, 304 Main Cross Street, Charlestown, IN 47111.

This is a civil proceeding to enforce a state statute or ordinance.  This is not a criminal proceeding.  This proceeding is commenced by the State of Indiana, thru the prosecuting attorney's office; proceeding shall be conducted in accordance with the Indiana Rules of Trail Procedure.  If you received a traffic summons for registration violation, license violations, equipment violations or permit or public service commission violations and have since corrected the situation, the court cannot and will not dismiss the ticket because the defect is corrected.  The court is not in control of, or responsible for, the law enforcement agencies that issue traffic tickets, nor the agency who files and prosecutes them.  The court must dispose of the traffic ticket in the manner prescribed by law and the court will not dismiss traffic complaints except upon proper motions made by the State of Indiana.

APPEARANCE, WAIVER OF TRIAL AND PLEA OF ADMISSION:

I have read the foregoing explanation of my legal rights and acknowledge that by signing my name hereunder, that I enter my appearance, waive my right to civil trail, and admit the violation stated in the traffic complaint and summons.  I understand my signature and admission will have the same effect as a judgment of the Court and the record of judgment will be sent to the Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the state where I receive my license to drive.

Signature:  _________________________________  Ticket #:  __________________  Court Date:  _____________