Perrysburg
Municipal Court
Wood County, Ohio
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TRAFFIC DIVISION
(419) 872-7909
Fax: (419) 872-7905
How Much
is My Citation
Do I Have to Appear in Court
Do I Need an Attorney
I Need a Different Court Date
I Need More Time to
Pay Fine
I Forgot to Pay My Ticket
I Did Not Show My Insurance Card to the Officer
I Did Not Have Insurance
Will My Fine Be Different if I Appear in Court
Failure to Appear in Court
What to Bring With You to Court
Trial Day Procedure
See the pay-out schedule. If you still have questions, call the Traffic Division at 419-872-7909.
If the court appearance box is checked on your ticket indicating a non-waiverable offense or if this is your third moving violation in the past twelve (12) months, then you must appear in court. If you have a waiverable offense, you can admit guilt and pay fines and court costs by mail or in person without having to appear before the judge.
If jail is a possible sentence, you should probably have an attorney, but you are not required to have attorney representation. If you are unable to afford an attorney, one may be appointed for you.
I need a different court date.
The Traffic Division can grant one extension of your original arraignment date for up to seven days (unless you have been charged with a non-waiverable offense). Call 419-872-7909 prior to the appearance date on your ticket to request a continuance.
A second continuance of your court appearance must be granted by the judge. You must request this continuance in writing explaining the reason for the request. The court will notify you of its decision.
Can I call to request more time to pay my fine?
Yes, the Traffic Division Clerk may grant you a one week extension. If you need more time, then you must appear at court to request additional time to pay. If your fines and costs exceed $100.00, the court will sometimes allow you additional time to pay your fine. This is referred to as a payment agreement. There is a $3.00 fee for being placed on a deferred payment plan.
I forgot to pay my ticket on time. Can I mail it on the court date?
The court must receive full payment within 30 days of your court date or further legal action will be taken against you.
I did not show my insurance card to the officer. If I bring it in now, can I just pay my fine?
Yes, if you have a waiverable citation, you can mail or bring in a copy of your insurance card or policy showing coverage for the date of your violation.
Yes, your license will be suspended for 90 days by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles on a first offense.
Can I get driving privileges while my license is suspended?
Contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Will my fine be different if I appear in court? How do I know how much money to bring?
The judge determines the fine amount in court depending on the nature of the offense and any prior record. The judge reviews the records, listens to your comments, and bases his decision on all the information given.
If you do not have money on the day of your appearance and your fines and costs exceed $100.00, the court will sometimes allow you additional time to pay your fine. This is referred to as a payment agreement. There is a $3.00 fee for being placed on a deferred payment plan.
If you plead not guilty, go to trial, and are found guilty, there may be additional costs incurred for subpoenas, witness fees, etc. These fees are in addition to the minimum $53.00 costs.
Failure to appear in court as required will result in the following actions:
A warrant for your arrest for failure to appear may be issued. You will be required to post a bond, if you are subsequently arrested.
The court will notify the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles of your failure to appear. The BMV will withhold the issuance or renewal of your driver's license and registration, and suspend your driving privileges.
What to Bring With You to Court
- Proof of insurance for the vehicle and
driver for the date shown on the ticket
-
Valid operator’s license or a valid renewed license
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Proof of vehicle ownership if car was impounded
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Adequate funds to pay for possible fines and costs
A trial is a proceeding in which the Prosecutor and/or the State of Ohio will try to convince the court that you have committed the traffic violation with which you have been charged. The prosecutor is required to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
You should arrive at court several minutes prior to your scheduled appearance time. Sign-in as soon as you exit the elevator, then wait until your case is called.
Please be prepared to spend several hours at court on the day that you appear. While the court makes every effort to move its docket swiftly, cases are scheduled closely together and there are often delays.
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