Municipal Court Summons - How bad are they?

The NOPD and other jurisdictions have begun to rely more heavily on the summons in lieu of arrest. This is a good thing because it means you get a ticket to appear in Court instead of being arrested and brought to jail. However, you shouldn’t think of this summons as less serious than an arrest.

Court Summons is essentially an arrest without the booking process. More importantly, it carries with it serious legal consequences if you don’t handle it. For example, if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing date, an arrest warrant will be issued for you. Also, the charge on a municipal summons is usually a misdemeanor so a guilty plea can result in serious legal consequences. Never go to Court alone when it relates to a summons. A misdemeanor charge can carry heavy fines or jail time. Also, some misdemeanor charges can be used to enhance subsequent offenses and make them a felony.

It may seem like just a traffic ticket, but it’s more serious than that. You should always consult a lawyer whenever you receive a ticket or a summons. We can help reduce the consequences you face or sometimes we can even get the matter dismissed. Call us today to discuss your options. Remember…When No One’s Carin’ Call McLaren! 504-300-8338