Overview

When a citation is issued, the officer will assign a court date. Some violations are eligible for payment before the court date. If your citation is a violation that can be paid in advance, payment must be completed prior to the assigned court date or you will need to appear at the scheduled court date and time. Defendants can pay their citation on the day of court, however, it is advised that payment be made prior to the court date.

Before your assigned court date, you may request a continuance. The Court Clerk is authorized to give one continuance.

Defendants may contact the Court Clerk at (913) 592-3624 or courtclerk@springhillks.gov with any questions regarding their citation.

Right to an Attorney

In all cases, you have the right to be represented by an attorney. You do not need an attorney to plead not guilty and may represent yourself.

When you are charged with an offense that could result in jail time, you must decide if you want to continue with an attorney. If you decide to proceed without an attorney, you will be asked to sign a waiver.

You may only request a court-appointed attorney if you are indigent and may go to jail. If you want an attorney but cannot afford one, an attorney may be appointed to you by the court. The Judge will determine your eligibility based on your financial need.

At Court

Attorneys and defendants must check in at the Court Clerk window before proceeding through security to the courtroom. During court, cases will be called in order that defendants check in at the Court Clerk window. All cases involving attorneys will be called first. All charges and their potential penalties will be explained to each defendant. The defendant will have the opportunity to plead guilty, no contest or not guilty. 

• A plea of guilty means you admit to committing the act charged, that the act is prohibited by law, and that you have no defense for the act.
• A plea of no contest means that you do not admit guilt but also do not dispute the charge. A plea of no contest cannot be used against you in a civil suit for damages. 
• A plea of not guilty means that you are informing the court that you deny guilt and that the City must prove its charges against you. 

If a not guilty plea is entered, the Judge will set the case for a non-jury trial at a later date. If a guilty or no contest plea is given, the Judge will proceed directly to sentencing. If a payment is required, the Defendant shall proceed to the Court Clerk window for payment.

Payments and Reduced Violations

Amendments to traffic infractions are granted at the discretion of the City Prosecutor. All amended charges must be paid in full at the time of the amendment. Amended cases are not eligible for payment plans. Defendants seeking to have traffic infractions reduced to non-moving violations may contact the Court Clerk at (913) 592-3624 or courtclerk@springhillks.gov for more information.

If a Defendant is unable to pay at the time of sentencing on a guilty plea or judgment, a payment arrangement may be authorized by the Judge or City Prosecutor. 

The City accepts credit cards, checks, money orders and cash. Personal checks are not be accepted for any case associated with a reinstatement fee or restitution.