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1. Can I change my court date?

If you would like to request that your court date be held on a sooner date, you may fill out and submit a Motion to Advance Hearing (PDF). 

If you would like to request that your court date be held on a later date, you may fill out and submit a Motion to Continue Hearing (PDF). 

Changes in court date are not guaranteed. You may call the Court Clerk's Office for information about the status of your request.

2. Can I get more time to pay my ticket? What happens if I am late paying my ticket?

You must pay your ticket by the date listed on the citation, appear personally in court, or hire an attorney to appear on your behalf.  In court, you may request more time to pay, or you may request a trial.  If you do not pay and do not appear in court, a bench warrant for your arrest may be issued and additional costs may be assessed. Failure to pay or appear may also result in suspension of driving privileges.

3. How do I find out if I have a warrant and what do I do next?

You may call the Court Clerk's Office at (620) 343-5666 to ask if there is a warrant for your arrest through Emporia Municipal Court.  If you have an active warrant, you may report to the Lyon County Detention Center or come to the Court Clerk's Office to post a bond and schedule a new court date in certain circumstances.  Alternatively you may appear on the next regularly scheduled municipal court docket to speak with the judge about your warrant.  Court dockets are held on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.  

4. How do I find out why someone is in jail, and how do I get them out?

You may contact the Lyon County Detention Center at (620) 341-3205 for information about whether someone is currently incarcerated and options for release.   Please make note of any case numbers you are given as this may quicken the release process.  If the individual is being held elsewhere, you will need to contact the facility in which they are housed to determine the steps necessary for their release. 

5. How much do I owe on my ticket or court case?

To find out the amount due, please call the Court Clerk's Office at (620) 343-5666.

6. How do I keep a moving violation off of my driving record? How do I get a charge amended?

You may speak in person with the City Prosecutor about options for amending or diverting your charges during open office hours on Tuesdays between 10:00 a.m. and noon at Emporia Municipal Court.  Charges can only be amended by the City Prosecutor.

7. When is my next court date?

Your court date will be listed on your citation or your most recent court sheet.  You may call the Court Clerk's Office for information about your next hearing date.

8. How do I apply for diversion?

Please see the Court Process & Hearings page for information about the diversion program.

9. I was found guilty in court and don't agree with the judge's decision.

If you do not agree with the judge's ruling, you have the right to appeal your case. Municipal Court cases are appealed to the District Court of the Fifth Judicial District. The case will be tried again before a District Court Judge and, upon request, before a jury. Immediately upon conviction, you should advise the Municipal Court Judge of your intent to appeal. An appeal bond will be noted on your paperwork.

You must file the appeal within fourteen (14) days of the Municipal Court conviction. Saturdays and Sundays are included unless the 14th day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Holiday.  Please contact the Court Clerk's Office for more information about filing an appeal. 

10. I received a subpoena to appear in court. What does that mean?

A subpoena is a court order requiring you to appear in court at the stated date and time.  If you receive a subpoena, it is typically because you are a witness or a victim to an alleged crime.  If you need more information about the subpoena you may contact the Court Clerk's Office or the City Prosecutor.  If you cannot appear in court at the required date and time, you must contact the City Prosecutor as soon as possible.  Only the City Prosecutor can release you from a subpoena.

11. How can I find an attorney to represent me?

The Kansas Bar Association provides a Lawyer Referral Service to assist people with finding an attorney.  You can access the service at https://ksbar.org/?pg=lrs_public

12. What if I need an attorney but can't afford one?

Please see the Court Process & Hearings page for information about your right to an attorney.

13. How can I get a copy of the evidence in my case?

If you have an active court case, you may request a copy of the evidence through submission of a Discovery Request Form (PDF).  Discovery may include police reports, photos, videos, audio recordings, test results, or other documents.  Reproduction fees may apply.

14. Why is my license suspended?

To find out why your license is suspended, you should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in Topeka. The number is (785) 296-3671 and (785) 296-3613 (TTY only). Be sure to make note of the location/court and case numbers they give you. You can also check the status of your driver's license.

15. Will this ticket be reported to my insurance? How many points is it?

Kansas does not go by the "point system" in regard to your driving record. Your license will be subject to administrative suspension if you receive 3 moving violations within a year. Whether a violation is a moving infraction which is reported to insurance companies is determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles in Topeka.

If you have questions regarding the status of your driver's license or what charges are considered moving violations, you should contact the DMV at (785) 296-3963 and (785) 296-3601 (TTY only).