Your Rights As An Accused

  1. You have a right to bail if you are incarcerated pending trial.

  2. You have the right to read the complaint or affidavit which has been filed against you and you are entitled to have the charge explained to you if you do not understand the nature of the charge.

  3. You have the right to be represented by counsel and the right to a continuance of your case to obtain counsel.
  4. You have the right to confront or cross examine your accusers and any witnesses.
  5. You do not have to testify and you do not have to make a statement at any point in the proceedings; but any statement made may be used against you.
  6. You have the right to compulsory process for obtaining witnesses on your behalf.
  7. You are presumed innocent and the Village or State has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  8. You have the right to a trial by jury, in certain cases, if a plea of "Not Guilty" is made and the ordinance under which you are charges provides for possible fine in excess of $150.00, jail sentence, or both.
  9. If you are convicted of a traffic offense, a record of the conviction will be sent to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and will become a part of your driving record.
  10. You may enter one of the following pleas.

GUILTY- This is a complete admission of your guilt.

NO CONTEST-This is not an admission of your guilt but is an admission of the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint or affidavit and such plea or admission shall not be used against you in any subsequent civil or criminal proceedings.

NOT GUILTY-This is a complete denial of your guilt and will result in an early scheduling of your case for trial.

Should you have any questions concerning your rights, please ask an officer of the court or the magistrate.

Georgetown Police Department
108 E. State St.
Georgetown, OH. 45121

(937) 378-6400

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