"Justice is sweet and musical; but injustice is harsh and discordant." - Henry David Thoreau

The Arraignment

 

Arraignment | Trial | Verdict | Scheduled Sentencing & Plea Dockets

Arraignment is the time scheduled for a defendant to enter a plea to the charge(s). One of three pleas may be entered: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

  • Guilty plea means the defendant admits to having committed the act(s) in the complaint.

  • Not Guilty plea means the defendant denies guilt thereby making it necessary for the City to prove its charge(s). A trial is held and the City is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt all the allegations in the complaint.

  • No Contest plea means the defendant does not contest the City's charge. Upon a plea of no contest, the Judge will order a fine, jail time or other appropriate sentence. A plea of no contest is not an admission of fault and cannot be used against you in a subsequent proceeding.

City of Leawood