Traffic Information

You may visit the Traffic Division during the hours of 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. The traffic division is located in Cleveland Heights City Hall--to the left of the main entrance doors. Please review carefully all information on both the front and back of the citation that you signed and received promising to appear at the time and date specified or paying the waiver by the same date. If you have misplaced your copy of the waiver schedule, it can be accessed through this site.

Payment of Fines and Waivers

The Court accepts payment by cash, check, money order or Visa. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Cleveland Heights Municipal Court, and can be sent through the mail or placed in the drop box in front of the City Hall on Severance Circle. Please include the citation or the citation number on the check. Visa payments MUST be made in person at the clerk’s office, or Online.

Court Costs are a minimum $65.00 for all criminal and traffic cases (including charges that can be waived). These costs CANNOT be waived if a person is found guilty, unless the court makes a determination that the person is indigent.

If you go to trial there may be additional costs incurred for subpoenas; witness fees; etc. These fees are in addition to the minimum $65.00 costs.

To Plead Not Guilty

If you wish to plead not guilty you must either 1) appear in court at the date and time specified on the citation and enter a verbal not guilty plea, or 2) enter your not guilty plea in writing by the date and time on the citation by coming in person with your citation and completing the required paperwork, and you will receive a trial date.  

Based on the not guilty plea the court the trial date will be set for a Wednesday or  Thursday afternoon. Once you have entered a not guilty plea, you may not withdraw that plea unless you do so in writing and pay all moneys due.   

Extensions

If you need to file for an extension of the arraignment or trial date, you must do so in writing no less than three (3) working days before the date set and explain the reason for the request or have a proof of conflict. All continuances will be ruled on and a response will be sent by the court.

Mandatory Appearances

If your citation requires a mandatory appearance, report to the Clerk’s office at 8:30 A.M. on the stated day and date of your appearance which is listed on the lower right hand corner of the citation copy given to you by the officer. You may report directly to COURTROOM 1 to check in for court. All proceedings are called in the check-in order. Please be prepared to spend some time in Court.

What to bring with you to Court

  • Proof of insurance for the vehicle and driver for the date shown on the citation.
  • Valid operator’s license or a valid renewed license.
  • Proof of vehicle ownership if car was impounded.
  • Adequate funds to pay for possible fines and costs which must be paid the day you appear.

Failure to Appear

Failure to appear in Court as required will result in the following actions:

  • Warrant for arrest for failure to appear and contempt of court, which is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine, jail or both. You will be required to post a bond.

  • The Court will notify the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles of your failure to appear.  The BMV will withhold the issuance or renewal of your driver’s license and registration, and suspend your driving privilege until the case is formally closed.

  • You will also incur additional fess.

 

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