Municipal Court

General Information

Hours:
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday - Friday, excepting holidays

Court Arraignments:
Monday 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M.
Tuesday 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M.
Wednesday 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M.

Other Court hearings:
Thursday 9:00 A.M. or 1:30 P.M.

Personnel:
Cathy Lucas, Municipal Court Judge
Kim Clinkingbeard, Municipal Court Supervisor
Shawnna Shuck, Probation Officer/Victim's Witness Coordinator
Richard Baker, Warrant Officer

Overview
This is a basic overview of the operation of Municipal Court. If we can be of further assistance, please call the court at (620) 626-0143.

Municipal Court
The Municipal Court, presided over by the Municipal Judge serving on a full-time basis, hears misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases occurring within city limits. Types of cases include domestic violence, theft, disorderly conduct, DUI, animal control and city code violations. Court policies and procedures follow the Kansas Code of Municipal Courts K.S.A. 12-4101, et seq., The Municipal Court Supervisor oversees 6 full-time municipal court employees. The Municipal Court is located at 325 N. Washington, Liberal, Kansas.

Bringing a Case to Trial
Under Kansas law, a person can be brought to trial only after a complaint or traffic citation has been filed. The complaint or citation is a document outlining the charges against the defendant. The person charged is referred to as the "defendant." Trials will be held before the municipal judge, as there are no jury trials at the municipal court level.

Arraignment
Arraignment is the term for the hearing in which defendant appears in court to enter a plea. After a citation is issued, an arraignment date is set. Arraignment dockets in Liberal Municipal Court are held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10;00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M.

At the arraignment, you will be given an opportunity to enter a plea. The city must prove its charges. A plea of not guilty means you deny guilt and that the city must prove its charges. On a plea of not guilty, you are presumed innocent and a trial is heard at a later date. The city prosecutor is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the allegations against you in the complaint. A plea of no contest simply means you do not wish to contest the city's charge. Guilty means you admit to committing the act as charged.

The Right to an Attorney
When charged with an offense that may result in jail time as part of the sentence, you must decide whether to proceed with or without an attorney. If you want an attorney, and the judge finds you do not have the financial means to hire one, a Court Appointed Attorney may be appointed to represent you.

Victim Assistance
If you are a victim on a case with Municipal Court, you have certain rights. You are welcome to come in and talk with our Victim Witness Coordinator about your case. Services we offer include help with Restraining Orders, someone to talk to, information about the court process, restitution, and referrals to other agencies. The Victim Witness Coordinator is Shawnna Shuck, (620) 626-0142.

The Trial
The city prosecutor will call witnesses to testify against you. You have the right to cross examine each witness. After the prosecution has presented its case, you have the right to call your witnesses to testify concerning the incident. You have the right to have the court issue subpoenas for witnesses to ensure their appearance at your trial. You may testify or remain silent. If you do testify, the prosecutor has a right to cross examine you.

The Verdict
The judge's verdict is based on the city ordinance involved, and the testimony and facts presented during trial. In making a determination the judge considers the sworn testimony of witnesses who are under oath. If you are found not guilty the case is closed. If you are found guilty you may be sentenced to fines, fees, jail time, restitution, community service, house arrest, and probation/parole and further orders.

Appeal
Anyone found guilty in Liberal Municipal Court has a right to appeal the conviction to the District Court of Seward County, Kansas. To appeal, you must post a bond with Municipal Court as determined by the court and you must also file a "Notice of Appeal" and filing fee with the District Court. The time period to appeal is 14 days after sentencing. The day of the conviction is not counted, and all calendar days are counted after that. If the 14th day ends on a Saturday, Sunday or a day the District Court is not legally accessible, then the time period extends until the close of business the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. If you properly file an appeal, you may have a new trial in District Court on the Municipal Court charges.

Payment Information
Fines for traffic infractions and parking violations must be paid on or before the appearance date indicated on your citation. If you are wishing to contest your ticket, or if you need additional time to pay your fine, you must appear in court on the date indicated. Failure to pay fines may result in a suspension of your driving privileges or a warrant for your arrest, depending on the charge.

If you have been charged with any offense that carries a possibility of a jail sentence upon conviction, a fine amount will not be listed. You must appear in court on the date specified on your citation. You may contact the Municipal Court office at (620) 626-0143 if you have questions.

If you are under the age of 18 and receive a citation for a traffic or criminal offense, you must appear in court with a parent or guardian on the date specified on your ticket. If you have been charged with a minor traffic infraction and you do not wish to contest the ticket, you and a parent or guardian may contact the Municipal Court office for fine and payment information. Fines may be paid with cash, check, money order or by credit/debit card at the Municipal Court office, 325 N. Washington, Liberal, Kansas 67905. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excepting holidays. Payments and correspondence may be mailed to the Liberal Municipal Court, P.O. Box 2199, Liberal, Kansas, 67905. Please reference the ticket number, docket number or defendant's name, or include the citation with your payment. Please make your check payable to the City of Liberal. There will be a $30.00 charge on all returned checks. You may pay for fines and court costs with a credit card by calling (620) 626-0143. You will need your docket number, ticket number, defendant's name (if other than the card owner), and the amount due.

Programs
One possible option available to offenders is community service. This alternative to paying money for a fine is intended to provide a means of paying off an amount due the City by working a specified number of hours.

Probation/Parole
The City of Liberal Probation Officer is responsible for maintaining records on all individuals required to be on probation/parole by court order. Supervised defendants will be required to physically report to the Probation Officer on a regular basis and may attend training or counseling during their probation/parole. The Probation Office is open at Municipal Court, 325 N. Washington, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excepting holidays.