Trials and Appeals

Print

Font Size: + -

Trials

Trial is when your plead “not guilty” and are ready to bring witnesses and evidence to contest the case against you. NOTE: All trials are in-person proceedings, not virtual.

On your trial date the judge will expect you to

Have your evidence, including trial exhibits and witnesses with you.
Be represented by an attorney; OR be prepared to represent yourself in a legal capacity.

Request a trial online only if you will meet all of the above expectations.

Do not request a trial if you are unsure or merely need time to seek legal advice or gather money to pay your fine. Consider a continuance or the walk-in docket instead.

Trial Process

The case is ready to be heard by the judge.
Each witness shall swear, affirm or declare an obligation to tell the truth.
The City’s witnesses explain their version of what happened.
You or your attorney can ask questions of the City’s witnesses.
You may call witnesses to explain your version of what happened.
You may require witnesses to come to trial and testify with a subpoena.
The city prosecutor may question you and your witnesses, if you and your witnesses testify.
You may choose to testify or remain silent.
- If you remain silent, it is not considered an admission of guilt.
- If you testify, the judge may consider any statement you make in deciding your guilt of innocence.
The judge makes findings of guilty or not guilty.

Know your rights: Download the Guide to Municipal Court.

Trial Outcomes

If you are found not guilty, the case ends.
If you are found guilty, you can accept the decision of the judge or appeal to the circuit court.

Appeals (trial de novo)

Trial de novo appeals brochure

If you appeal your case, you will be granted a trial de novo (new trial) before a different judge.
The request for appeal must be made within 10 (ten) days of the court’s decision and cannot be extended for any reason. The appeal bond set by the judge plus a $30 Circuit Court filing fee must be paid when you file your appeal. Pay by cash, credit/debit card or money order.
You can appeal even if you are not able to pay the filing fee and appeal bond if you complete the Poor Person Request Form and the judge finds that you are indigent.
File in person at the Violations Window on the first floor or by mail.
Making payments on any fine the judge ordered may cancel your ability to appeal.

To apply for Appeal (Trial de novo) by mail:

Download the Trial de novo Application Form (PDF) (Word)

Return it to Municipal Court, 511 E. 11th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 in time to reach the court before the 10-day filing deadline expires.
You must include a money order, made payable to the Kansas City Municipal Court, for any appeal bond amount that was set by the judge in your case and a $30 Circuit Court filing fee.
or
If claiming that you cannot afford to pay the bond and fees:
- Download, complete and enclose the Poor Person Request Form (PDF) (Word) asking the judge to waive the bond and filing fee with your Trial de novo Application.
- PLEASE NOTE: You must supply the requested income information and the decision is at the discretion of the judge.