City of Derby

Municipal Court Definitions

Trial

Under Kansas law a person can be brought to trial only after a complaint or traffic citation has been filed with the court. The complaint or traffic citation is a document which alleges the action of which the defendant is accused and that the action is unlawful.

In a trial, the burden of proof is on the City to prove that the defendant is guilty of the charges outlined in the complaint or citation. You have the right to be represented by an attorney or you may appear pro se. Pro se indicates you choose to act as your own attorney.

Jury trials are not held at the Municipal Court level. A judge will hear all testimony, reach a verdict and impose a sentence. Any fines and fees assessed on your case are due the day of your trial.

Right to Appeal
Under Kansas law you have the right to appeal a Guilty finding in the Derby Municipal Court to the District Court of Sedgwick County. (Kansas Statute 12-4601)

Kansas statutes set forth the specific procedures that you must follow in order to exercise this right to appeal. These provisions may be found at Kansas Statute 12-4602.

The full text of these Kansas statutes is available on-line at http://www.kslegislature.org

Questions or comments? Please email webmaster@derbyweb.com.