City of Kirkland - Municipal Court FAQ's

I received a delinquent letter from the court, after returning the copy of the ticket requesting a hearing. What does this letter mean?

» The court did not receive your hearing request within 15 days, or did not receive your hearing request at all.

I received a delinquent letter from the court, after mailing in my payment. What does this letter mean?

» The court records indicate payment has not been received. You must present a canceled check.

I received a citation for failure to provide proof of insurance. I was insured at the time of the traffic stop, but did not have my insurance card with me. Do I have to pay the full amount of the fine?

» If you present proof of insurance valid at the time of the traffic stop within 15 days of the violation, your citation can be dismissed upon payment of $25.

I received a citation for failure to provide proof of insurance. I was not insured at the time of the traffic stop, but I now have insurance. Do I have to pay the full amount of the fine?

» You may show proof of obtaining insurance after the incident, within 60 days from the violation date or before your scheduled court date and the penalty will be reduced to $250.00.

The Department of Licensing abstract will be processed and sent to DOL.

If there is a $52.00 FTA/FTR (failure to appear/respond) fee that has been added, you are responsible for that cost. The balance due would be $302.00.

If there is an additional violation on the ticket, you are responsible for the penalty amount associated with that violation in addition to the insurance portion.

I received a citation for no valid operator's license on person, but I have a valid license. Do I have to pay the full amount of the fine?

» No, you may show proof of a valid operator's license within 60 days of the violation date or before a scheduled court date (mitigated or contested). The penalty will be reduced to $250.00.

If there is a $52.00 FTA/FTR (failure to appear/respond) fee that has been added, you are responsible for that cost. The balance due would be $302.00.

If there is an additional violation on the ticket, you are responsible for the penalty amount associated with that violation in addition to the no valid operator's license portion.

I can't make my scheduled mitigation hearing. Can I reschedule?

» No. mitigations hearings cannot be rescheduled. You may use the hearing by mail option.

I can't make my scheduled contested hearing. Can I reschedule?

» You must contact the court 48 hours before the scheduled court date to determine if you are eligible to reschedule. If you received a hearing by mail form with your hearing notice, you may use the hearing by mail option.

I do not live in Kirkland. Can I respond to my Kirkland ticket at another court closer to my home?

» No. The name and address of the court of jurisdiction is printed in the upper left corner of the citation. Your citation must be handled at that court only.

I am a juvenile and I received a parking ticket. What do I do?

» Request a hearing or pay the fine within 15 days.

There are two violations on my citation. I would like to pay one and request a hearing on the other. Can I do this?

» No. You must pay the full amount of the citation or request a hearing within 15 days.

I received a speeding ticket in a school or construction zone. What kind of hearing shall I choose?

» Penalties for infractions committed in school or construction zones are doubled and may not be reduced.

When a defendant requests a contested hearing, the defendant is not admitting guilt. The charge may be dismissed after a contested hearing, if the judge is convinced the defendant did not commit the offense.

When a defendant requests a mitigation hearing, the defendant is admitting he/she committed the offense and is asking the court to mitigate the fine. School or construction zone infractions may not be mitigated.

Where do I file a civil case, such as divorce or small claims?

» Divorce and civil lawsuits should be filed at the King County Superior Court

Small claims matters are filed at King County District Court small claims

How do I get an attorney?

» The King County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service and provides information on community legal services. Also, see information about Public Defender services.