What happens at a trial?

Depending on the alleged offense(s), you are entitled to a trial by jury. You are entitled to hear all testimony against you. You have a right to cross-examine any witness who testifies against you, to testify on your own behalf and you hold a Constitutional right not to testify. If you choose not to testify, a refusal cannot and will not be used against you in determining guilt or innocence. However, if you choose to testify, the Town will have the right to cross-examine you.

You may call witnesses to testify on your behalf and have the right to have the court issue subpoenas for witnesses to ensure appearance at trial.

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1. What happens if I missed my court date for a criminal charge?
2. What happens if I missed my court date for a traffic ticket?
3. Can I reschedule/continue my court date?
4. Do I have to be in court today?
5. Something unexpected has come up (e.g. illness, car issues, etc.) and I cannot make my court date today. Can you tell the judge/officer or continue my case?
6. Why didn't the judge dismiss my case since the officer was not there?
7. Can I represent myself?
8. My child (age 17 or older) received a ticket for curfew violation, possession of tobacco, or underage drinking. Does he/she need to go to court?
9. My child (age 16 or older) received a traffic ticket. Does [s]he need to appear in court?
10. What is the procedure for entering a plea to a criminal charge?
11. What happens at a trial?
12. Can I plead by phone?
13. How long is the court session? Will it last longer than an hour?
14. Can I get a prayer for judgment?
15. Can I appear earlier than my trial date and time and speak with the judge?
16. Can I pay my ticket and still appear to plead not guilty?