MINOR OFFENSE PROCEDURES: Answers to Some Common Questions

Based on PUB-19 (12/08)

MINOR OFFENSE PROCEDURES

What is an Arraignment?

At your arraignment, the judge will ask you what plea you want to enter: guilty, no contest, or not guilty. If you plead guilty or no contest, the judge will set the amount of your fine at that time. If you plead not guilty, the judge will set your case for trial on another date.

Your citation will tell you where and when the arraignment will be held and whether your appearance at arraignment is optional or mandatory.

If your appearance is OPTIONAL, you must either appear in court at the time specified in the citation or enter your plea by mail. Your citation explains how to do this.

If your appearance is MANDATORY, you must appear in court at the time specified in the citation unless you arrange for a CONTINUANCE to another time. Your arraignment will be held at the court listed on your citation unless you arrange for a TEMPORARY TRANSFER to another court location.

How to Request a Continuance

If it is not convenient for you to appear for arraignment or trial at the time scheduled, you may ask for a continuance to another time. Here are the steps:

1. Use form TR-200, which is available at all courts, or write your request on a plain piece of paper. Explain why you need the continuance. Be sure to include the citation number on your request.
2. Give or mail your request to the clerk at the court where you are scheduled to appear.
3. The clerk will let you know if your request for a continuance is granted. If it is granted, the clerk will notify you of the new date and time to appear.

How to Request a Temporary Transfer

If your arraignment is MANDATORY, you may request that it be transferred to the court nearest to where you work or live in this way:

1. Go to the Clerk's Office at the court listed on your citation or at the court where you want to appear.
2. Show your copy of the citation to the clerk and tell the clerk where you want your arraignment to be held.
3. The clerk will make the necessary arrangements and will tell you when to appear in the other court.
4. A temporary transfer does not affect the place of trial. If you plead not guilty at arraignment, your trial will be scheduled at the court listed on your citation. To change the place of trial, you must request a CHANGE OF VENUE.

What is a Trial?

At trial the judge will hear evidence about the charges against you and decide whether you are guilty or not guilty. In a minor offense case, you do not have the right to a jury trial. The police officer and any witnesses will testify. (This means they will tell their side of the story under oath.) You also have the right to testify and to have witnesses testify on your behalf. If your witnesses will not appear voluntarily, you may ask the clerk of court to issue a SUBPOENA ordering them to appear.

If you cannot appear at the time set for your trial, you may request a CONTINUANCE using the procedures described in this pamphlet. Use form TR-201.

Your trial will be scheduled at the court listed on your citation. To change the place of trial, you may request a CHANGE OF VENUE using the procedures described below.

How to Request a Change of Venue

If you would like to change the place of trial, you may request a change of venue. Requests for changes of venue are not routinely granted. In making the decision to grant or deny your request, the judge will consider many factors, including the cost and inconvenience to the witnesses. Follow these steps for a change of venue:

1. Ask the clerk in any court for form CR-320.
2. Complete the top portion of the form titled "Motion." Be sure to explain in detail why you want your trial moved.
3. Mail or deliver your motion to the court listed on your citation.
4. The clerk will send a copy of your motion to the prosecutor so that the prosecutor may file a response or objection.
5. A judge will decide whether to grant your request. You will be sent a copy of the judge's decision.
6. If your request is DENIED, you must appear in the court listed on your citation at the time set for your trial.
7. If your request is GRANTED, your citation will be sent to the other court for trial setting. The other court will send you a written notice telling you when your trial will be held.

What if I do not respond to a citation or do not appear for arraignment or trial?

If you fail to respond within the time limit written on the front of your ticket, one of the following will happen:

1. A default judgment will be entered against you for the maximum penalty permitted by law plus court and collection costs plus any surcharge required by statute. Efforts to collect this judgment will include attachment of your Permanent Fund Dividend.

   In addition, if your offense involves a moving motor vehicle, points will be assessed against your driver's license. Also, the court may suspend your driver's license, privilege to drive or privilege to obtain a license.

   -OR-

2. A warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you will be assessed an additional fee.

For more information about this publication, please call the
Alaska Court System Administrative Office at
(907) 264-8240
820 West Fourth Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501

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Rev. 11 December 2008 © Alaska Court System www.courts.alaska.gov webmaster@courts.state.ak.us

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