Frequently Asked Questions

A. You must appear if your citation indicates it is a Mandatory Appearance. Otherwise, you may avoid appearing in court by paying the bond amount stated on your citation prior to your court date (which the Court will treat as a No Contest Plea) OR by entering a Not Guilty Plea in writing by mail, email, or in person to the Clerk of Court. Please know that some citations carry penalties beyond fines or forfeitures, and paying the bond without appearing may result in the Court issuing those additional penalties without the benefit of your statements about the incident.

If you wish to plead not guilty, you may do this in writing by mail, by email, or in person.
Mail the plea to the address:
Municipal Court
P.O. Box 690
Whitewater, WI 53190

Email your written plea of Not Guilty to the Clerk of Court at: baranda@whitewater-wi.gov
Bring a written Not Guilty Plea to the Clerk of Court in person at the Clerk of Court’s office located at:
312 W. Whitewater St. Whitewater, WI 53190

If you do not post bail and you fail to appear in court, a default judgment will be entered against you. Notice will be mailed to you advising you of the default. If you do not pay your fine, either a warrant may be issued for your arrest or your driving privileges may be suspended up to five years for failure to pay.

If you appear in court on your initial court date, you may request a postponement of your plea to consult with an attorney. You may enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. If you enter a plea of guilty or no contest you will be found guilty and given an opportunity to speak. If you need time to pay your fine this request will be granted. The court may give you up to 60 days to pay your fine.

For an ordinance violation there normally is just a fine imposed. Most alcohol related violations give the Judge the option to require alcohol assessment, education classes, or suspend your driving privileges in addition to a fine. If any of these penalties are imposed, you will be advised at the time you appear in court.

Traffic violations will have a fine imposed. Most traffic violations have demerit points assessed against them. These points are determined by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Some traffic violations also will require a suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. An alcohol assessment is required on all OAWI violations. You will be given information regarding these requirements when you appear in court.