Trial is where everything comes together. What happens—or doesn’t happen—leading up to trial can directly impact whether a case moves forward or is dismissed.
This is a practical overview of what officers should know when a case is set for trial in municipal court.
Subpoenas
A subpoena is not a request—it is a court order.
- Add your subpoena date to your calendar immediately
- Set reminders so it is not overlooked
- Plan accordingly once you are served
Failing to appear can result in:
- the case being dismissed
- a show cause being issued
- or being required to explain your absence to the judge
There are very few acceptable reasons for failing to appear after being subpoenaed.
Scheduling Conflicts
If you have a conflict:
- address it as soon as possible
- contact the court or prosecutor immediately
Do not wait until:
- the week of trial
- or the day of trial
If your testimony is necessary and you are not present, the prosecution may not be able to proceed, which can result in dismissal.
Trial Settings
Each court handles trial scheduling differently.
In many courts:
- officer availability is checked before setting trial dates
- multiple dates may be provided
- defense selects from available dates
If you are marked unavailable, that date is typically avoided.
Once a trial is set:
👉 expect to receive a subpoena if your presence is required
If you believe you were subpoenaed in error, contact the prosecutor—not the clerk’s office—to address it.
Preparing for Trial
Before court:
- review your report
- refresh your memory on the details of the case
- be familiar with the facts, not just the charge
Do not assume you will remember everything from memory alone.
Testifying
When testifying:
- answer the question that is asked
- be clear and direct
- speak in plain terms
Do not:
- guess
- exaggerate
- or try to “clean up” your testimony
Explain what happened the same way you would explain it to anyone else.
Continuances
Continuance procedures vary by court.
If a continuance is needed:
- follow your court’s process
- communicate early
- ensure it is properly documented
Last-minute requests create problems and may not be granted.
Final Thought
Trial preparation does not start on the day of trial.
It starts with:
- accurate reports
- proper documentation
- timely communication
What you do early in the case directly affects what happens in court.
When officers are prepared and present, cases move efficiently and are far more likely to be resolved properly.
The Clerk’s Desk 