Court Services

The Rolling Fork Municipal Court hears matters arising within the City of Rolling Fork as provided by Mississippi law and applicable municipal ordinances. The Court generally has jurisdiction over traffic offenses and misdemeanor criminal violations that occur within the city limits.

Because court dockets and session schedules can change, you should rely on the date and time listed on your citation, summons, or court notice, or contact the Court Clerk for the most current schedule and instructions.

Court Appearances

A defendant’s first appearance in Municipal Court—whether for a traffic citation or a misdemeanor charge—is typically an arraignment. At arraignment, the defendant is asked to enter a plea to the charge:

Guilty — you admit the offense and waive the right to a trial.
No Contest — you do not admit the charge but do not contest it (treated similarly to a guilty plea for case resolution).
Not Guilty — you deny the charge and request a trial.

If a plea of Guilty or No Contest is entered, the case generally proceeds to sentencing and any fine/costs are due at that time unless the Court orders other arrangements. If a plea of Not Guilty is entered, a trial date will be set.

Right to Counsel and Trial Rights

A defendant may be represented by an attorney or may choose to represent himself or herself. Self-represented defendants are expected to follow courtroom rules and procedures. In a trial, a defendant is generally entitled to rights that include:

The right to a copy of the charging document/affidavit (as applicable)
The right to hear testimony presented against the defendant
The right to cross-examine witnesses
The right to testify
The right to remain silent without that silence being used against the defendant
The right to call witnesses on the defendant’s behalf

If any party needs to subpoena witnesses, the Court Clerk can typically assist if a list of witnesses and their addresses is provided far enough in advance to allow service.

Failure to Appear

Failure to appear as required may result in additional court action, including proceeding in your absence where permitted by law and/or the issuance of a bench warrant. If you posted a bond to secure your appearance, failure to appear may also affect that bond.

Continuances

Requests for continuances should be made as early as possible and in accordance with Court rules. Late requests may be denied unless circumstances beyond the party’s control require rescheduling.

Appeals

Certain Municipal Court judgments may be appealable to the appropriate county court within the time allowed by law. If you are considering an appeal, you should promptly consult the Court Clerk or legal counsel regarding deadlines and procedures.

Traffic Tickets

Mississippi law may allow payment of certain traffic citations prior to the scheduled court date. If your citation is eligible for prepayment and you choose to prepay, you may not be required to appear in court. Payment methods and eligibility vary by offense and court procedures, so follow the instructions on your citation or contact the Court Clerk.

If your charge is not prepayable, or if you wish to contest the citation, you must appear in court on the date and time listed.

Driving School

Under Mississippi law and court policy, some offenders may be eligible for driving school under certain conditions. Eligibility requirements, fees, and whether the option is available in a particular case are determined by the Court.

Conduct in Court

For safety and order, persons entering the courtroom may be subject to security screening. Appropriate attire is required. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the courtroom and/or contempt proceedings. Cell phone use in the courtroom is typically restricted.

Municipal Court Information

For current session times, docket information, payment instructions, and general questions, contact the Rolling Fork Municipal Court Clerk or refer to the contact information and instructions printed on your citation, summons, or court notice.