Basic Rights & Information

Basic Rights:

• To know the nature of the charge filed against you.
• To know the identity of the person making the charge against you.
• To see and read the affidavit filed against you.
• To have legal counsel represent you. If you cannot afford legal counsel, you may have your case transferred to the Franklin, Delaware, or Union County Municipal Court to determine if you are eligible for a Public Defender.
• To have one continuance to obtain legal representation or for some other valid reason.
• To have a trial by jury where provided by law in the appropriate Municipal Court.

Pleas:

• GUILTY – The plea of guilty is a complete admission of your guilt.
• NO CONTEST – The plea of no contest is not an admission of guilt, but is an admission to the truth of the facts alleged in the ticket or complaint. A no contest plea cannot be used against you in any other civil or criminal proceeding. If the ticket/complaint correctly states an offense under Dublin and/or State law, you will be found guilty and sentencing will occur.
• NOT GUILTY – The plea of not guilty is a denial of legal guilt. Upon the entering of a not guilty plea, your case will be set for a later pre-trial/trial docket.
• ONCE IN JEOPARDY – The plea of once in jeopardy indicates that you have already been tried for the same offense from the same incident.

APPEAL RIGHTS: Within 10 days from the date the Magistrate renders judgement, you may appeal that decision by filing a written notice of appeal with the Mayor’s Court Clerk. If appealed, your case will be transferred to the appropriate Municipal Court.

“If you are not a citizen of the United States, you are hereby advised that conviction of the offense to which you are pleading guilty (or no contest when applicable) may have the consequence of deportation, exclusion of admission to the United States, or denial of naturalization pursuant to the laws of the United States.”