Trials in the Noblesville City Court are conducted quarterly, and are held the second Wednesday during the months of March, June, September and December. Trials for Noblesville Citations are held at 9:00 a.m. and trials for Westfield Citations are held at 1:30 p.m.

 

At the trial, the officer who issued the ticket, and/or other witnesses will testify.  You will have the opportunity to ask the officer and/or other witnesses, questions about their testimony after they have given it.  You will also be allowed to tell the Judge your side of what occurred.  All testimony must be given under oath or affirmation to be considered.  You may at this time, also present other evidence in your own behalf, including photographs, diagrams, written documents and the testimony of other witnesses.

 

The prosecutor or city attorney has the burden of proving that you committed the offense(s) with which you are charged by a preponderance of the evidence.  You DO NOT have to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Enough evidence has to be presented for the Judge to find that it is more likely than not that you committed the offense(s) with which you are charged.

 

Except for emergencies you must request a continuance more than 5 days before your trial.  The Court generally allows one continuance for the person charged and the prosecutor and/or city attorney.

 

If you do not appear for your trial, the Judge is permitted to enter a default judgment against you.  The Court will then certify the judgment and a failure to appear will be sent to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and your driving privileges will be suspended.