Traffic/Criminal

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Criminal

You may visit the Criminal/Traffic Division of the Clerk’s Office during the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday Through Friday. To contact the criminal department please call (216) 491-1300.

The Shaker Heights Municipal Court hears misdemeanor criminal cases originating in Shaker Heights, University Heights, Beachwood, Pepper Pike, and Hunting Valley.

When you appear in Criminal Court, you should bring: copy of citation, any written communication from the Court, Bond papers & receipt, adequate funds to pay fines & costs.

Misdemeanor Cases

The Shaker Heights Municipal Court hears criminal cases in which the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor. To access your case information, including your next Court date, click here.

Felony Cases

Many felony cases are initially handled in the Shaker Heights Municipal Court until a preliminary hearing (probable cause hearing) is held or a preliminary hearing is waived by the defendant. If probable cause is found or the preliminary hearing is waived, the case will be bound over to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for further proceedings. To access your case information, including your next Court date, click here.

Not Guilty Plea

To enter a plea of Not Guilty and have your case scheduled for a pretrial, you must either:

  1. Appear in Court on the date and time specified on your citation and plead not guilty; or
  2. File the not guilty plea in writing to the court prior to your arraignment, which is your initial court appearance. The not guilty plea must have your case number, your name and address, and your phone number. If you file a Not Guilty Plea, you do not need to appear for your arraignment. The Court will notify you by mail of your next Court date. Download a Not Guilty Plea form.

Failure to appear in Court as required will result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest and a forfeiture of any bond posted in your case.

Traffic

When you appear in Traffic Court, you should bring: your ticket, valid operator’s license, proof of insurance for the vehicle and driver for the date shown on the citation, and adequate funds to pay for fines & costs.

Personal Appearance Required

Tickets with a box checked that says “Personal Appearance Required” are not waiverable.

Not Guilty Plea

To enter a plea of Not Guilty and have your case scheduled for a pretrial, you must either:

  1. Appear in Court on the date and time specified on your citation and plead not guilty; or
  2. File the not guilty plea in writing to the court prior to your arraignment, which is your initial court appearance. The not guilty plea must have your case number, your name and address, and your phone number. If you file a Not Guilty Plea, you do not need to appear for your arraignment. The Court will notify you by mail of your next Court date. Download a Not Guilty Plea form.

Failure to appear in Court as required will result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest and the Court will notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of your failure to appear. The BMV will prohibit issuance or renewal of your driver’s license and registration, and/or suspend your license until the case is concluded.

Proof of Financial Responsibility is required for all traffic cases. You can show proof of insurance to the officer at the scene of the traffic stop, in court when you resolve your traffic case or to the BMV.

If you fail to show proof of insurance, the BMV will impose a license suspension.